Retired RE teacher Colin Brannen has been recognised for his decades of charity support, by international development agency Christian Aid.

Eighty-eight-year-old Colin, who lives in Newcastle, first started collecting and campaigning for Christian Aid back in 1965, in Peterborough.

On moving to North Shields, he became involved with Oxfam and the World Development Movement, and then moved to Newcastle in 1975 where he was ‘roped in’ to helping with Christian Aid Week activities at Westerhope Methodist Church and five other churches.

Since then, Colin has worked to help organise fundraising collections and events and has also created his own line of crafty creatures – nicknamed Branimals – made from things like shells and acorns, which he sells at fairs.

Colin Brannen on one of his campaigning cycle challenges.

placeholder image — Colin Brannen on one of his campaigning cycle challenges.

Helen Cunningham, Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer with Christian Aid, presented Colin with a long-service certificate in recognition of his work.

She said she estimates his efforts have helped to raise more than £200,000 over the years.

She added: “In addition to the fantastic fundraising Colin has inspired, he has also joined many campaigns and undertaken challenges to raise awareness and to help change the systems and structures which keep people poor.

“These include cycle rides from Newcastle to Brighton in 2004, campaigning for Trade Justice, and from Newcastle to London in 2013, at the age of 76, for a campaign to end world hunger. He also cycled to Birmingham and part way to Cologne for the G8 summits.”

Colin with Minister Revd Lynda Coulthard and Helen Cunningham from Christian Aid.

Colin, who is hoping to hand over his role now, said he was embarrassed at being in the spotlight, adding: “I’ve done various things – from cycle rides to a children’s sponsored walk. Some have been more successful than others and I’ve had lots of help from lots of people.

“House-to-house collections used to be the big event but now we have other things like the plant sale which has become more popular over the years.

“I’ve always liked how Christian Aid works through churches as well as organisations within communities. The charity’s ethos goes back to the teachings of Jesus, to love your neighbour and it’s not just about giving to the poor, it’s about how we stop taking from them.”

Helen added: “Colin plays down what he’s done over the years but, without people like him, dedicated and committed to supporting Christian Aid, we wouldn’t be able to help fund the work of our partners, helping people in truly vulnerable communities to change their lives.”