Charity event to be held in memory of former Peterlee college principal
A charity event is being held this summer in memory of a former Peterlee college principal who sadly died in 2024.
The Suzanne Duncan Memorial Trophy event is being held at East Durham College, in Peterlee, on Saturday, June 20, in memory of the college’s former principal, Suzanne Duncan.
Suzanne retired from her role in 2024 after 12 years at the Peterlee college, sadly dying just weeks later.
She left behind her husband Steve and two sons, Benjamin and Lucas, who are hosting the event.
For the second-year-running, the Suzanne Duncan Memorial Trophy is being held to raise funds for Men Together Durham and StrongMen UK – a men’s wellness group and men’s bereavement charity.
Phil Clark, founder of Men Together CIC, said: "This is a very special day in our calendar. Suzanne’s husband, Steve Duncan, and his sons plan to make this game day an annual event in memory of Suzanne.”
The event will feature a seven-aside football tournament as well as a range of food vendors and community stalls.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, The British Army and St Cuthbert's Hospice have all confirmed their attendance at the event.
Phil said: “We are honoured that Steve and his family have chosen to support our cause.
"Our mission is to bring men together, help them find community, build camaraderie, grow friendships and improve both their physical and mental health.”
Suzanne played a key role in the development of the Durham Learning Alliance, a partnership between Durham University and four County Durham colleges, to expand the opportunities available for young people across the region.
She also oversaw a number of multi-million-pound investments in East Durham College’s infrastructure, including the £13m Houghall Campus, where students have access to state-of-the-art agriculture facilities.
Phil said: “We are working incredibly hard to make this a truly special event.
"Last year, we raised £5,200 for charity, with proceeds split equally between Men Together CIC and the men’s bereavement charity StrongMen UK.”
The 2026 event is being held at East Durham College, in Peterlee, on Saturday, June 20, from 10am until 4pm.
Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/suzanne-duncan-memorial-trophy-2026.