Ted Wood, President of Durham University Rugby Club, has finally received the recognition that his services deserve. Last week Ted was named overall Local Hero of 2008 as part of the Northern Echo’s award night to show appreciation for the outstanding men and women involved in grassroots sport in the North-East. Ted received his award at Hardwick Hall Hotel, in front of a large audience that included local sporting celebrities such as Gareth Southgate.
This award comes 34 of years of service to Durham University, never accepting a penny for the work that he does. In his time, Ted has raised over £800,000 and has brought the best out of future England internationals such as Will Greenwood and Will Carling. On the night, Ted was congratulated via video link by Carling who spoke of how great Ted’s influence was on his rugby during his university years. ‘Generosity’ was a recurring theme in descriptions of Ted and this was shown again on the night as he donated his £500 prize to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Sir Bobby, who couldn’t be at the event, expressed his gratitude to the winner for his kind gesture.
Also there at the ceremony was Ben Woods, Leicester and England Saxons player, who presented Ted with both awards on stage. Woods is another player whose rise through the game to the professional ranks can be attributed in no small part to the work of Ted Wood.
Ted steps down from his post of President this year but will continue to be strongly involved with the Club. All members of the club, past and present, express their thanks to Ted and congratulate him on this fantastic award.
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