Some of us talk about hope and others act with it — inspiring hope wherever they go. Sue Burston is the second kind.
A long-time Christian Aid supporter and volunteer from North Northumberland, Sue was the winner of our 2025 Power of Hope Award for Creative Fundraising. But awards have never really been the point for Sue. For her, it’s been the persistent belief that joined with others, we can change the world.
In a world shaped by conflict, climate crisis and inequality, hope is built through action. You can help make a difference.
40-years of fundraising
Sue’s fundraising journey stretches back more than four decades and is as creative as it is inspiring.
A talented bread-maker, she used her skills to host bread-making demonstrations right across Northumberland, inviting people to learn new skills, work together and raise money for Christian Aid. As dough was kneaded, conversations flowed about global poverty, fairness and hope, raising awareness too.
That same humility carried her to an unforgettable moment in 2005, when she was invited to speak at Christian Aid’s 60th anniversary service at Westminster Abbey. What could have been intimidating became formative. Sue describes it as an experience that helped her grow into a confident and compelling advocate.
Christian Aid has brought me alive. Alive to social injustices in this world and that together we can make a difference and dare to continue to hope.
Creativity in action
Her creativity extended to coordinating the Cut the Carbon March in Wooler, where she not only organised logistics but also cared for the walkers’ physical and emotional needs—arranging podiatry support and outdoor gear to lift their spirits. This empathy and resourcefulness turned every encounter into an opportunity to fundraise and inspire.
After a life-changing visit to Kenya, a country where she once said she felt closest to God, Sue became a Volunteer Speaker, sharing stories from the trip that moved hearts and opened wallets.
Whether speaking at schools, appearing in local media, or trekking through snow to attend volunteer conferences, her energy and conviction have motivated others to give generously.
Powerful together
On receiving her Creative Fundraising award at Church House, Westminster, Sue was, in her own words, quite overwhelmed. True to form, she redirected the praise. Her belief in the power of teamwork sits at the heart of everything she does.
When asked why she supports Christian Aid? She cited a quote by Dom Helder Camara, a Brazilian priest whose words first inspired her: “When I give my bread to the poor they call me a saint, when I ask why the poor have no bread, they call me a communist.”
For her, it sums up why Christian Aid matters. It doesn’t just respond to need—it asks the deeper questions about justice, fairness and why poverty exists.
Sue's story is one of warmth, imagination and unwavering dedication. It’s proof that hope isn’t abstract—it’s baked, walked, spoken, shared. And when compassion and hope is matched with creativity and togetherness, extraordinary things can happen.
“I can’t do anything on my own – it’s as a team that we can do everything. We can change the world when we work together.”
Looking to make a difference this New Year? Help change lives and start fundraising today.
