Sunderland players, past and present, gathered to celebrate the achievements of participants supported by the club's charity.

The Foundation of Light's Gala Awards Dinner, held at the Beacon of Light, highlighted the foundation's work and raised over £80,000 to further the charity's impact across the North East.

Sky Sports presenter David Jones and SAFC Live commentator Frankie Francis hosted the event, which concluded with a performance from the vocal harmony group, The Overtones.

Black Cats stars Romaine Mundle and Niall Huggins, Natasha Fenton, Brianna Westrup, Louise Griffiths, and Megan Borthwick along with club legend Kevin Ball, were all present to meet the winners and present their awards.

The awards were themed around the organisation's Wear One campaign, which encourages the Sunderland community to support the region's most vulnerable.

(Image: Foundation of Light) The Foundation of Light uses the power of football to tackle some of the North East's biggest challenges, including social isolation, unemployment, food poverty, and poor physical and mental health.

Most read

Get the most out of your local news with The Northern Echo Subscribe now and enjoy access for the whole of 2025 for only £25 or enjoy your first six months for £6. Don’t miss out on our biggest sale of the year.

(Image: Foundation of Light) Foundation of Light chairman, Sir Bob Murray, said: "It’s always such a special night when we come together to celebrate the amazing achievements of the Foundation and the incredible people we’ve had the privilege to support.

"Times are tough for so many, and the cost-of-living crisis has meant our work has been more important than ever.

"This year, we’ve worked hard to reach those who need us most, with new programmes and initiatives making a real difference in people’s lives."

Winners included Jacob Northover, a young footballer who has worked with the Foundation of Light to adapt his game since losing his eyesight, and is now on England Blind Football’s development pathway.

Emily Cassap was also recognised after progressing to Sunderland AFC Women’s first-team and appearing for England U17s at the World Cup having progressed through the Foundation’s female player pathway.

Another winner was Azeem Iftikah, who made a new life in the North East of England thanks to the charity’s over-55s Wear Together groups after fleeing from Pakistan as a refugee.