FRIDAY'S CHILD: Erin Hutcheon

This week's Friday's Child is Journal reporter Erin Hutcheon. Erin (nee Doherty) leaves the paper this week after more than 16 years, four of these spent as news editor. Erin is moving on to work in the marketing department of the North West Regional College. A runner with Star in Derry, Erin is married to Peter Hutcheon and has two children Amy (12) and Henry (4).
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Nov 2016, 14:32 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 16:10 BST
Erin Hutcheon now and as a baby.Erin Hutcheon now and as a baby.
Erin Hutcheon now and as a baby.

How would you describe yourself?

So many ways. These days normally ‘Two Steps’ because I’m always two steps behind my running buddy Pauline.

Happiest childhood memory?

Weekends in Kerrykeel with my Mum and Dad Ivor and Kathleen.

What was your first job?

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I was Mrs Doyle before Father Ted was ever written. Working as a housekeeper for the priests at the Long Tower.

Favourite book?

The Pursuit of Happiness by Douglas Kennedy.

Favourite film?

Castaway.

Favourite television programme?

At the moment Nashville or The Apprentice.

Favourite expression?

‘Aye, Naw I know’ or ‘Tik Yer Oil.’

Favourite method of relaxation?

Having a nice meal and bottle of wine cooked by my husband Peter. He has me spoiled rotten.

Favourite holiday destination?

I’m loathe to describe this place as a holiday destination because travelling to an island where you have to walk around barefoot for three days, stay awake for 36 hours and are only allowed to eat dry toast and black tea doesn’t actually sound appealing. But my annual pilgrimage to Lough Derg each year is a real leveller for me. Time to switch off and see what direction your life is taking.

Who would you most like to meet?

Mo Farah when I overtake him at next year’s Great North Run which I’m doing in aid of the Foyle Hospice. All sponsorship gratefully appreciated c/o Star Running Club.

What makes you angry?

Ignorance and sexism.

What makes you happy?

My family.

What has been the most embarrassing thing to happen to you?

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Going to collect my daughter Amy from nursery and trying to take the wrong child.

What was the worst thing to happen to you in your life?

Losing my granny Josie. The word bestie wasn’t invented when she was alive but she was my bestie.

What is your greatest fear?

Anything happening to my parents.

What has been the high point of your life to date?

The birth of my two beautiful children Amy and Henry, and crossing the finish line of the Walled City Marathon in 2016. I was exhausted and in so much pain on both of these occasions, but they were all worth it.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a journalist who never lost her integrity. A writer who cared that what she wrote would affect other people.

What is your most treasured possession?

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My framed autograph from Anton DuBeke describing me as a “beautiful Derry girl” and my Couch to 5k medal given to me by Star Running Club. I never even thought I would get through their ten week programme never mind go on to half marathons and full marathons.

If you won the lotto what would you do with it?

Buy a wee cottage by the sea and live out my days reading good books and drinking expensive red wine.

If you could write your own epitaph what would it be?

She ran out of time.

Related topics:Mo Farah