Award-winning Sunderland Filmmaker unveiled as Foundation Ambassador

Foundation of Light are pleased to welcome Sunderland-born Producer, Filmmaker and writer Carley Armstrong, as a new ambassador ahead of International Women’s Day this Sunday.

Born, raised, and educated on Wearside, Carley has gone on to build an impressive career in the film and television industry. Since graduating from the University of Sunderland with first class honours, she has worked on award-winning productions including Adolescence, Brassic, and Mission: Impossible - as well as producing her own films here in the region.

Still a proud Mackem, Carley’s passion for her community and hometown has inspired her to take on a new challenge, by supporting a charity at the heart of it.

As the official charity of Sunderland AFC, Foundation of Light uses the power of football to inspire, educate and support people of all ages across Sunderland, South Tyneside, and County Durham.

On her new role as a Foundation of Light ambassador, Carley said: “When the letter from Sir Bob Murray come through the post asking me, I burst into tears. It was such a lovely, heartfelt letter.

"As a massive Sunderland fan and someone who holds the club very close to my heart, it meant the absolute world to me to be recognised by the club and charity for the work I am doing and bringing back home to Sunderland. Being an ambassador for the Foundation of Light is truly an honour, and I can’t wait to support everyone and get stuck in.”

Carley will be jumping straight into her ambassadorial duties by taking on the Foundation of Light’s ‘25 Peaks in 25 Hours’ challenge in July.

Part of the charity’s 25th anniversary celebrations, the challenge will see participants cover more than 40km and climb over 4,262 metres across the rugged ridgelines of the Lake District.

Supporters can still join Carley on the 25 Peaks in 25 Hours challenge. For more information: click here

Speaking about Carley’s appointment, Lesley Spuhler, Foundation of Light Chief Executive Officer, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Carley as an ambassador. As someone who grew up in Sunderland and has gone on to build an incredible career in the creative industries, she is a fantastic role model for the young people we work with.

“At the Foundation of Light, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to realise their potential, and stories like Carley’s show what can be achieved with the right support. We’re excited to work with her to inspire the next generation across our region.”