I am devastated to hear of the passing of beloved William ‘Bill’ Cooksey and I’m sure the people of the Sedgefield constituency will join me in extending their heartfelt sympathy to Bill’s family and friends during this difficult time.
I know that words cannot fully capture the depth of their loss, but I hope that they can find some comfort in knowing that Bill was deeply respected and admired by all who knew him.
Bill lived a life of extraordinary courage, dedication, and service.
He answered the call to duty and bravely served our country in the RAF. His commitment to our nation was unwavering, and his sacrifices will never be forgotten.
In addition to his military service, Bill was as also a devoted member of our community; always willing to lend a helping hand, and his kindness and generosity touched the lives of many.
Most of you will remember Bill for walking 100 miles on his 100th birthday to raise money for the NHS.
He then pushed himself further, cycling miles ahead of his 101st last year.
In September, Bill completed the AJ Bell Great North Run in less than six hours, becoming the oldest person to complete a half-marathon at the age of 102.
Bill will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He was a true hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all for generations to come.