The North Tyne Truck Run began as a Christmas event in December 2021. It was conceived by Fiona Pattinson as a fun way to both thank “the locals” for putting up with the timber wagons passing through Bellingham, and the wider area, throughout the year, and to raise money for charity. It very quickly became obvious to Fiona that the Truck Run and the charity “Santa’s Little Helpers”, which she had recently started, were a perfect match. Over the following years the event grew significantly, and in 2025 some 160 vehicles took part. The Christmas Truck Run is now so well supported that not only does it fund Santa’s Little Helpers, but also raises a considerable sum each year for The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), which provides life-saving, critical care services by air and road across a wide area of over 8,000 square miles covering the North of England and as far as The isle of Man.

 Thanks must also go to Alex Maclennan and the Forestry Commission. Without Alex’s input and facilitation, the event would not be the success it is

 

Why Fiona Started Santa’s Little Helpers

I started this charity when I realised that there were families in the North Tyne who struggled at Christmas. I am a huge fan of Christmas, and it upset me to see that there were children in the area who woke up on Christmas morning to no presents or weren’t able to have a Christmas dinner. I saw a problem I couldn’t walk away from. It soon became obvious how many families were struggling, quietly doing everything they could with very little support. I met parents struggling more than most people would ever see, and I realised that compassion alone wasn’t enough—I needed to do something.

On Christmas morning no parent should have to explain to a child why Santa has not been, so we step in, where we can, to provide presents or Christmas dinner to those families who need it most.

This charity was grounded in a deep desire to help in a meaningful and lasting way. I wanted to build something rooted in kindness and dignity, support that genuinely meets people's needs. Everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported, especially during the hardest times.

What makes it all worthwhile? :-

One parent shared the following after receiving help from the charity:

“Oh my word!! I had absolutely no idea the gifts for my children would be what they so desperately needed and wanted. I was expecting a few toddler toys and maybe a set of pyjamas for the teens—since there are never any gifts for teenagers—but I cannot believe it. I was shaking with shock.

I have children with multiple complex needs, including non-verbal autism with potential epilepsy, high-needs autism, a social-phobic teen, and a teen with autism, Tourette’s, and OCD. Everyday life can be extremely challenging, and because schools were unable to meet their needs, my children are home educated. This means I have to pay for everything myself, including their education, which makes this time of year especially tough.

Because of your kindness, my children were able to feel like regular kids for once. Instead of second-hand or ‘new-to-you’ gifts, they received brand-new presents—hiking boots, a gym bag, and a coat—that I know they will absolutely love. My little ones will love their gifts too.

And the dinner… I was expecting maybe some vegetables, but not a turkey and pudding as well. It was such a wonderful surprise. I have cried happy tears for the past 30 minutes. Thank you so, so, so much—from the bottom of my heart.”

This is why charity exists. Small acts of kindness can lift enormous weight from a family’s shoulders and restore moments of normality, joy, and hope.

Thank you to you the residents and visitors to the area for your support, Thank you to the Truck owners and drivers, it would be nothing without you, Thank you to the management team and all the stewards for their time and dedication to the Truck Run  and thank you for taking the time to understand why this charity matters. With your support, we can continue to reach families who need to know they are not alone.

 

The Management Team

 

Fiona Pattinson – Director & Event Manager- Learning Support Assistant at Haydon Bridge High School, Mother of 2 lively yougsters and leads charity fundraising 

 

Richard Peat - Director & Event Manger - Owner of Think Energy, brings over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, specializing in Health and Safety and site management. He also has over a decade of experience in event management across various roles, including Event Control, Safety Manager and Event Safety Manager for the Stormin the Castle motorbike rally in County Durham, which has been running for 33 years.

 

Robert Scott – Event Manger- Owner of SGS Timber Haulage has over 30 years of haulage experience and is skilled in displaying timber lorries at public events and managing safety in the timber haulage industry. Robert and all drivers maintain high standards of driving and are members of the Forestry Industry Safety Accord. Robert's company, RH Scott Timber Ltd, has an excellent reputation and often wins awards for the standard of their timber trucks.

 

Mike Cook - Event Manger- Owner of M R Cook Construction Ltd, has been in the haulage and construction industry for 35 years. He has held a class one license for 34 years and is the Operation Manager of MRC Crane Hire, carrying out specialized haulage including abnormal load escort duties. He is responsible for health and safety management on various sites, including the BAE systems ordnance test facility in Northumberland.

 

James Pattinson - Event Manger – Held his HGV class 1 for 10 years and works for William Nichol Transport 

 

North Tyne Truck Run Ltd

A company registered in England and Wales with company number 15979278

Registered Office Address: Wood House, Anick Road, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4JR