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It’s first and last Darlington 10K for RSACC’s departing CEO, Debbie Barker
- Debbie Barker, CEO of Darlington and Co. Durham’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) to run the SG Petch’s Darlington 10k
Debbie Barker, the outgoing CEO of RSACC is to run her first and last race for the charity by participating in the forthcoming SG Petch’s Darlington 10k, on August 1st. Ms Barker recently announced that she would be departing the charity in December, after 18 years both as a volunteer and as a member of staff.
Barnard Castle-born Debbie is hoping to raise funds for RSACC to support survivors across County Durham who have experienced sexual violence.
Debbie commented:
“It’s been a tough time for charities like ours, especially with limited ability to fundraise. However, we have received some fantastic support during the pandemic. We know that as a cause we are often much further down the list of charities for people to support. But every penny and pound we receive goes to providing counselling and other services to people whose lives, and often those of their families, have been affected by the trauma they suffer as a consequence of sexual violence.
After 18 years at RSACC, I’m really looking for a fresh challenge. But before I go, I want to make a final contribution by running the Darlington 10k. And I’m hoping that the many organisations and people I have worked with along those 18 years will help by sponsoring me!”
Debbie (and other RSACC runners) will race in a newly created RSACC running vest, with grateful thanks to Shildon’s Ugly Duck Clothing Company.
Debbie, who lives in Darlington, started volunteering for RSACC in 2003, then became employed as a counsellor in the Sexual Assault Referral Unit (SARC) in 2006 and also worked as RSACC’s Finance Manager from 2009, along with her counselling commitments. She became a full time funding manager for RSACC in 2012 and was appointed CEO in 2014.
Isabel Owens, who is currently Deputy CEO of RSACC, will succeed Debbie once she departs later this year.
To sponsor Debbie, please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Debbie-Barker8