HAS BEEN A SPECIAL YEAR... TURN OUT FOR FOUNDATION OF LIGHT GALA AWARDS DINNER

Back in October, HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, Sir Bob Murray CBE and some of the biggest names from across the North East turned out to show their support for the Foundation of Light, as the charity celebrates its 20th anniversary. Held at the Foundation’s home, the Beacon of Light in Stadium Park in Sunderland, the star-studded evening raised nearly £100,000 to support the charity’s work across the North East. Hosted by Sky Sports presenter and Sunderland AFC director David Jones, and alongside a stunning musical performance by award-winning singer songwriter Emeli Sandé, over 500 guests celebrated the inspirational stories of 16 Foundation participants who overcame adversity to live happier and healthier lives. As Royal Patron of the Foundation of Light for 17 years, HRH The Countess of Wessex spoke of her pride in the work the award-winning charity does across the region, “We have heard some truly inspiring and moving stories, where people’s lives have been transformed by the Foundation. ...for the Foundation as we celebrate our 20th birthday. It really is astonishing to see how far we have come and I am so proud of everything that Lesley and the team have achieved. Two decades ago, I was fortunate enough to be the chairman of Sunderland Association Football Club. It is no ordinary club; it is ingrained into the region’s DNA and is a huge source of pride to the people of Sunderland and beyond. I recognised that win, lose or draw Sunderland AFC could inspire and change lives. It could make a real and positive difference to its community, using the power of football to change people’s lives for the better. That platform gave us the opportunity to create this unique charity and do just that. I never imagined what an amazing impact we would make, not just within our great region but across the country and the globe. It is the people that inspire me and I am in awe every day watching the difference the Foundation staff make. They are very special people who show immense commitment and pride in their work; tackling real societal issues and ensuring we continue to support those in our communities who need us the most. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last two decades. You are all true friends of the Foundation. Without you, we could not continue to support those who need it most across this great region. Thank you. “Sunderland and the surrounding areas are so very lucky to have this Foundation and tonight we celebrate every life touched, every brick built and every example of hope created by those who work within it.

“Two decades of history, and of investment of people of this region, is something to be so very proud of.” Guests were also treated to a special, and engaging, couch interview by Foundation of Light Trustees Sir Bob Murray CBE, Sir Tim Rice, Steve Cram CBE and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE DL who spoke about their passion for the region and how sport can be used for positive change. For the best moments of the night, turn to the middle pages

“I say Foundation, but what I really mean is kind, caring

and loving people, because this is what the Foundation of

Light is built on.”