Sales of Sir Bob Murray's autobiography ‘I’d do it all again’ has raised £100,000 for the Foundation of Light, just 3 months after it was published.
Sir Bob decided to write his book after the charity he founded encouraged him to tell his inspiring life story to help raise much needed funds to support the Foundation.
“I have never been happier giving away £100,000 and hope I have to give even more to the Foundation in the coming months.”
He said: “I’ve been amazed by the generosity of Sunderland supporters and the feedback from all sorts of people since the book was published. Friends joked for years that I should write a book but I never dreamt I’d really do it!
“It was a harder task than I imagined at the start and took us several years to complete. Going back in time has it’s up and downs and can be quite emotional. It’s lovely recalling some of the happiest times in your life again but was harder having to remember and re-live some of the more difficult times and losses in my life. There were times when it definitely had an impact on me and my wife Sue.
“The reason for doing the book was to give something back to people from the northeast. I love the region and am indebted to the people here who’ve played such a major part in my life.
“I’ve been blown away by the response of Sunderland fans and people buying the book. Their kind-hearted response is so typical of their generosity and in doing so they are now supporting other people in the northeast who just need a little help.”
I’d Do It All Again tells Sir Bob Murray’s story from the dust-choked Consett streets of the 1950s where he left school with just one 'O' level, to the building of the Stadium of Light, Wembley Stadium and St George’s Park.
He recounts interactions with a wide cast of characters ranging from Len Shackleton, Brian Clough, Lawrie McMenemy, Peter Reid, Niall Quinn and even a former Prime Minister for whom he had to act a human shield!
The visionary behind the Stadium, Academy, and Beacon of Light - who established the Foundation of Light during his 20-year tenure as SAFC Chairman.
I’d Do It All Again, is available to buy online at www.sirbobmurraybook.com or in-person at the Beacon of Light and SAFC Club Store.
100% of proceeds from sales of the autobiography go to the Foundation of Light.
The ’We Are Role Models’ campaign shines a light on the Foundation’s ongoing work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, supporting boys and young men through sport, education and mentoring.
In our latest piece we catch up with Claire Bovill and Julie McCann about their volunteering experiences.
Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.