Hetton Primary School backs the Beacon

Pupils from a local primary school are backing the Beacon of Light raising over £250 to support the build of the iconic facility. Youngsters attending Hetton Primary School, Houghton-le-Spring have raised over £250 through the sale of light-up wristbands supporting the building of the iconic Beacon. The pioneering community hub, due to open in September 2018, will be accessible to people of all ages from the region and will house the Foundation’s award-winning work in four vital areas: Education; Health and Wellbeing; Sport and Play; and the World of Work. It is anticipated that 6,000 local people will use the facility every week, benefitting from its state of the art classrooms, learning spaces and sports facilities. The Foundation of Light have raised £16m for the project so far from a variety of sources including funds and trusts, and major donations from businesses and individuals and are now entering the final fundraising phase for the remaining £2m needed. Pupils at the school received a special visit from Sunderland AFC mascots Samson and Delilah as a ‘thank you’ for their fundraising efforts.

The youngsters at Hetton Primary School have done brilliantly with their fundraising and we’re very pleased to be able to bring Samson and Delilah to see them today to say ‘thanks’. Schools from across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham are going to be able to access our award-winning work at the Beacon of Light and we’re very proud to have the backing of Hetton Primary School.

David Dowson, Foundation of Light Sport & Play Coordinator

Mrs. Hill, Headteacher at Hetton Primary School added: “We’re very proud of what our pupils have achieved and the fact that they’re so willing to support something that’s going to benefit everyone, not just themselves. “We’ve worked with the Foundation of Light for some years now and we’ve no doubt that, with them at the helm, the Beacon of Light will be a massive success.” Wristbands are available for just £3 each from Sunderland AFC stores at the Stadium of Light, Debenhams and The Galleries. The final fundraising drive encompasses both corporate and community fundraising, including the opportunity to purchase named steps and tiles within the build. For further information about the Beacon of Light visit www.beaconoflight.co.uk.