Long Running Dedication
23 June 2026
A dedicated 71-year-old Methodist has been honoured for his commitment to raising funds for Action for Children, taking part in an amazing 41 Great North Runs in aid of the charity.
David Stabler, from Newcastle, thinks he must have raised almost £80,000 and huge awareness for Action for Children in the many years he has been taking part in the half-marathon challenges.
His commitment to the charity has now been recognised, winning the prestigious Supporter Award at the Stephenson Awards organised by the Methodist-founded charity.
Held annually, the awards celebrate the achievements of children, young people, carers, volunteers, staff, and supporters who contribute to safe and happy childhoods through Action for Children.
The Great North Run is a 13-mile route from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields and proves a hardy challenge for even the fittest runners. This year the event takes place on 13 September and will likely draw the usual huge crowds of runners and spectators.
David, who attends Brunswick Methodist Church in Newcastle, said: “Winning the award means a great deal to me, it is a very real privilege.
“I am now 71 and have supported Action for Children for most of my life. But it is incredibly sad that the work of Action for Children is still needed in the 21st century, actually even more so.
“I was very moved by the award event, especially to hear about the Young Super Stars.
“I think that last year was my 41st GNR – for at least 38 of them I have run in aid of Action for Children. I did run to support one small church in our circuit in the early days. This year will be the 46th Great North Run, it started 28 June 1981. This year will be my 42nd and yes, I shall run in aid of Action for Children.”
Beyond David's fundraising, he also serves as a trustee for three charitable trusts that provide significant support to Action for Children’s work in the north-east. These trusts fund a range of essential services, including children’s homes and Breaking the Cycle, providing specialist domestic abuse counselling programmes.
He is also active in the local church as a local preacher, district property officer and church treasurer.
David plans to run again next year and has urged others in the Methodist Church to find ways to support Action for Children.
Action for Children started life as the National Children’s Home (NCH), founded after a Methodist minister, the Revd Dr Thomas Bowman Stephenson, saw some children living rough under the arches of Waterloo Station in 1869 and stopped to listen to their stories. He was passionate about social justice and when he moved to London, he challenged the Methodist Church to take action to help children living on the streets, leading to the creation of the NCH. In 1994 it became NCH Action for Children and in 2008 was renamed Action for Children.
For further information on Action for Children or to donate, visit their website at: actionforchildren.org.uk.