Christine Smith Memorial Fund

Christine was a dear wife and friend, a loving mother and daughter-in-law, a caring auntie and unashamedly doting grandmother.

But for so many people across the North East she was a great Councillor, or a Cabinet Member, or a Justice of the Peace, or a Chair or Deputy Chair and lots of other equally distinguished titles. Her friends were from many walks of life including representatives of the voluntary sector, charities and churches; very significant members of the business community; politicians from across the political parties and people representing many public services including schools, the health service, fire, police, the magistrates’ courts, government departments and, of course, local government.

She had a very special talent however, for working with people from all walks of life. That included the disadvantaged and people in need, particularly her neighbours in County Durham and her home of Chester-le-Street. She understood the need for businesses to be connected to their communities, for communities to be connected to all of their members, and for public services to be responsive to the needs of the people they are established to serve. As a ‘born optimist’, she worked tirelessly to ensure that this region was competing on an equal footing and felt that the only way to get things done was to get involved yourself.

Christine described her ambition to encourage more women to become involved in public life. She said, ‘I hope to make it easier and more appealing for women from all walks of life to consider playing a role in public bodies’.

Her family and friends have come together to launch an appeal for the Christine Smith Memorial fund, a long-term fund managed by County Durham Foundation. The fund will support two good causes close to Christine’s heart – helping local, grass roots activities and supporting women to gain confidence and achieve their potential, in what ever walk of life they choose to shine.