“It is the complete diversity and variation that makes the role so interesting and challenging.”
48-year-old Ben Sisson from Eaglescliffe worked in the hospitality sector for over 30 years before joining GNAAS in 2022 as a community fundraiser. His natural gift for networking and connecting with the community shone through and he’s since taken on the role of CSR and Philanthropy Specialist.
Ben’s current job involves engaging with our corporate and major donors in the North East and building positive meaningful relationships with them to help bring in the vital funds and support we need to run the service.
We caught up with Ben to find out more about his role and previous career before GNAAS.
Could you please explain what jobs you had prior to GNAAS?
My first ever job was sweeping up grass from all the golf shoes at Eaglescliffe Golf Club and working in the shop on Saturday mornings, but my first proper job was a pot washer at the Parkmore Hotel.
I’ve spent a lifetime in hospitality (34 years this year!), some career highlights have been working in some of the UK’s most prestigious hotels and great halls, Tylney Hall, Crathorne Hall, Ashdown Park, Rockliffe Hall, Seaham Hall and Luton Hoo.
As well as some prestigious venues in the Cotswolds such as Calcot Manor and even for the now HRH King Charles at Highgrove. More recently at local venues such as Tomahawk Steakhouse Group, The Keys, Manjaros Kitchen & Cocktail and even Middlesbrough Football Club.
Why did you apply for a job at GNAAS?
I was looking for a real change in my personal working direction, and with my personal connection to the charity and many fundraising challenges for local and national charities, GNAAS really fit what I was looking for and gave me the reason and drive to pursue this.
How did it feel when you were told you got the job at GNAAS?
I had not heard back for what seemed like such a long time (it probably wasn’t as long as I had in my mind) so I decided to go for a 5k lunchtime training run from my home to Progress House (GNAAS’ HQ) and back in the hope it would bring me luck.
Afterwards as I sat down to enjoy lunch with Max our Cockapoo (my sidekick for the day) I missed a call from a number I didn’t recognise, so I nervously called it back.
To be told I had been successful getting the job was the best news ever and I calmly thanked my new manager and put the phone down. This was followed by me and Max jumping up on the sofa cheering like Tom Cruise did on a chat show expressing his love for someone, but my love was for the charity and my new role (did I mention I looked after Tom in my previous job…)
Could you talk me through a typical day in your role?
There really isn’t one typical day, it varies all the time. One day I could be presenting to a board of directors, the next I could be part of a vibrant and diverse networking group enjoying a ‘curry in the city’ network event.
Other times I’ll be helping out at one of our big events like the GYRO, Bike Nights, Heli Fest, golf days, the Great North Run and our annual balls which are an amazing event to be a part of. Some days I am tasked to try and find some top raffle and auction prizes and will speak to our Corporate Partners and charity of the year supporters, and other days I am on a cold windy beach watching a famous artist paint a beachscape to help raise funds for us.
It is the complete diversity and variation that makes the role so interesting and challenging too. We cover 8000sq miles so meeting people from Berwick to Whitby, Richmond to Middlesbrough, will always make for a fascinating discussion and opportunities for us to engage and spread the word and share our story.
Have there been any highlights or stand-out moments during your time at GNAAS?
I think there are so many stand out highlights for me. I love being part of the big team here at our events as they always fill me with pride, and I enjoy getting the opportunities to stand up and speak about GNAAS at businesses, events and special occasions.
It’s also truly humbling to meet the patients and their families that we have helped. One stand out moment for me was at the end of the Great North Run in 2024, in the GNAAS tent, when we had gathered as many people that had finished the run for a group photo. There was one runner that day (Corey Russell) who our critical care team had helped back in September 2023.
Considering his injuries a year prior to the run, it would have seemed an almost ‘impossible’ feat, but with sheer determination and a desire to do it and help us in return, he, along with his dad Chad, completed the run.
Once we had taken the group photo, I looked around at the full tent, with all the wonderful volunteers and runners surrounded by their families and friends and loved ones. I said to all those there that if anyone wants to see one reason why we all do what we do and the impact this makes, take a look at that young man Corey! The rest is a bit of a blur through the tears, cheers and lots of big hugs! That moment has left an indelible mark on me and sums up how I feel each and every day coming in to do the very best job I can to make a difference to those who need us the most.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work I love spending time with my family, Caroline and my two daughters Molly and Isabella and walks with our Cockapoo Max, and days with my son Luke, usually with me getting beat at football, bowling, pool and always air hockey.
I love music, movies and a good series to binge watch with Caroline, and I have a passion and love for many sports, including running, golf and football.
I also have a passion and love for the arts and especially photography which I have been known for taking a photo or two.
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