Inspirational winners recognised at star-studded Gala Dinner

Sunderland AFC players past and present and some of the biggest names from across the North East turned out to show their support for Foundation of Light’s star-studded Gala Awards Dinner. 

The event – a highlight of the football club’s official charity’s calendar - celebrated the inspirational stories of 16 Foundation participants who overcame adversity to live happier and healthier lives. 

Held at the Foundation’s home, the Beacon of Light, the evening raised over £80,000 to support the charity’s work across the region.

Hosted by Sky Sports presenters David Jones and Tom White, over 300 guests were treated to performances from hit theatre show The Sunderland Story and chart-topper Jason Donovan. 

Black Cats stars Luke O’Nien, Trai Hume and Niall Huggins joined former players Kevin Phillips and Marco Gabbiadini to help dish out awards to the winners.

For more than two decades, the Foundation of Light - the official charity of Sunderland AFC – has used the power of football to support over half a million people from some of the most deprived areas in the North East every year.

Tackling some of the region's biggest challenges including social isolation, unemployment, food poverty and poor physical and mental health. 
 
Through various initiatives and programmes and links with Sunderland AFC, the Foundation gives families the opportunity to access sports and fitness sessions, mental health resources and experience the facilities at the Beacon of Light community hub. 

Foundation of Light Chairman, Sir Bob Murray said: “It gives me great pride to see everyone come together to celebrate the amazing achievements of both the Foundation of Light and the winners of this year’s awards.   

“Our communities have been struggling with a cost-of-living crisis and their need for support has never been greater. The Foundation has worked hard to introduce new initiatives to help those who are most vulnerable.   

“The Gala Dinner gives us the opportunity to celebrate the impact the Foundation has made, while also raising funds to ensure that our hard work can continue.   

“We have an incredible showcase of inspiring stories from children, families and adults, each of whom have worked incredibly hard and it is an honour to be able to give them the recognition they deserve.” 

OUR WINNERS: 

Leon Stoves – New Opportunities Award sponsored by the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility
Tase Olusanya – Shining Star Award sponsored by The Banks Group
Wanda Sidaway – Community Champion Award sponsored by Stagecoach
Oliver Moody- Exceptional Learner Award sponsored by Laidlaw Trust
David Little – Positive Change Award sponsored by Vantec
George Hutchinson- Team Player Award sponsored by Aspire
Kayley Dunn – Making a Difference Award sponsored by Helen McCardle
Charlotte Laddie – Heart on Your Sleeve Award sponsored by The Murray Family
Sarah Hesler – Creating Chances Award sponsored by British Esports
Rhea Hayes- Future Star Award sponsored by Lycetts
James Stanness- Outstanding Volunteer Award sponsored by the John Wood Family
Oliver Roberts- Shooting Star Award sponsored by Rorack Shipping
Niki Watkis – Better Together Award sponsored by Arriva North East
Emily Brown – Inspiring Excellence Award sponsored by Durham University
Lola Marshall – Rising Ambition Award sponsored by AK Teaching  
Jessica Hunter – Overcoming Adversity Award, sponsored by Sunderland Council