03-08-2025
Tribute to couple who dedicated their lives to North East park unveiled
A commemorative bench has been unveiled in memory of a couple's lifelong dedication to a North East park.
Doreen and John Fearns, long-standing members of the Friends of Stewart Park in Middlesbrough, were honoured with the bench for their service and community spirit.
The couple were deeply involved in fundraising and community activities through the Friends group, which has supported the park since 2007.
Chairman of the Friends of Stewart Park Tom Mawston (Image: Supplied)
Tom Mawston, chairman of the Friends of Stewart Park, said: "Organisations like the Friends of Stewart Park can't exist without people like Doreen and John.
"They were well-known and much-loved figures in Marton, and John's tweed hat even earned him the nickname 'the man in the hat' among Parkrunners.
"This bench is a deserved and lasting tribute to their selfless dedication to their community."
Mr Fearns was also a regular volunteer at the weekly Stewart Park Parkrun, serving as a steward on the course where the bench now stands, near the Lower Lake.
The plaque commemorating the contribution of Doreen and John Fearns as long-term members of the Friends of Stewart Park (Image: Supplied)
Mrs Fearns contributed to the wider community as a member of the Marton Community Centre Group and chair of the Afternoon WI.
The plaque on the bench reads: "In Memory of Doreen and John Fearns, Friends of Stewart Park and the Park Run."
Councillor Philippa Storey, Middlesbrough's deputy mayor and executive member for education and culture, attended the unveiling.
Cllr Storey said: "We need to be better at thanking our community volunteers, and this is a great example of how to do that.
"People who dedicate their time to making the community better, like volunteering to steward the Parkruns, deserve our thanks.
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"The beautiful bench organised by Tom Mawston and the Friends of Stewart Park is a fitting tribute."
A second bench has also been installed in the park's Rose Garden to commemorate the collective efforts of the Friends of Stewart Park.
The Friends group continues to support Stewart Park through fundraising, volunteering, and community events.
