Sunderland AFC players hand out Foundation of Light awards

The event took place at the Beacon of Light as the stories of 16 Foundation members who overcame adversity to live better lives were celebrated.

The evening, hosted by Sky Sports presenters David Jones and Tom White, raised over £80,000 to support the charity’s work in the region.

Over 300 guests witnessed performances from theatre show The Sunderland Story and chart-topper Jason Donovan.

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.” 

Among the Black Cats stars were Luke O’Nien, Trai Hume and Niall Huggins, who were joined by former players Kevin Phillips and Marco Gabbiadini to hand out the awards.

Here are this year’s winners:

Charlotte Laddie – Heart on Your Sleeve Award sponsored by The Murray Family
Charlotte Laddie, 28, of Downhill was given the Heart on your Sleeve award after completely turning her life around working with the organisation’s Skills team. 

Charlotte had never been in employment before working with the Foundation to build her confidence and qualifications, and is now employed at the Stadium of Light as a hospitality waitress.  

 Skills Officer Susan Kane said: “The first day she was at work she came into the Beacon to show us her uniform.  

 “She was really proud of herself and just so happy that someone had given her the chance to work. She’d never had that before because of her lifestyle, she wanted to change her life around and I knew that she meant it.” 

Tase Olusanya – Shining Star Award sponsored by The Banks Group
Five-year-old Tase Olusanya, a student of St Leonards Primary School in Silksworth, received the Shining Star Award for his enthusiasm at Premier League Primary Stars sessions. 

Primary Stars coach Jake Hannah said: “He’s got a really infectious personality. 

 “He’s the first person tearing around the hall when we’re doing a PE lesson, but also the first to listen. Speaking to the coaches on the Player Development Programme, he’s doing really well there as well.” 

Wanda Sidaway – Community Champion Award sponsored by Stagecoach

Wanda Sidaway, 72, from Castletown was able to share her passion for local mining heritage as she underwent a gender transition during the early years of her retirement from bus driving and made new friends in the social groups. 

 Alyson Dixon, Coals to Goals coordinator, said: “She brings something special to Coals to Goals, from her visible passion for the subject to the journey she’s been on in the last 18 months. 

 “It has been brilliant to see how she has come in, acted herself, and just been accepted by everyone that she comes in contact with.” 

David Little – Positive Change Award sponsored by Vantec

Twenty-two-year-old David Little of Hendon was able to grow his confidence and employability skills on the Foundation’s Study Programme after initially joining the Futsal Scholarship.  

David said: “I would not change it if I had the chance to. The last four years at the Beacon have been possibly the best four I could ask for.” 

Rhea Hayes- Future Star Award sponsored by Lycetts

Rhea Hayes, 9, received the Future Star award after the Gateshead youngster’s growth in interpersonal skills, alongside her football talent, saw her earn a place in Sunderland AFC Women’s academy. 

 Player Development Centre coach, Jack Gray, spoke of his pride in Rhea’s development, saying: “She’s a great kid, she deserves some praise. I’m really proud of her as someone that’s coached her for a few years. There’s some real potential there. 

 “It’s not just about her getting better at passing and receiving, it’s about those life skills that we’re helping her develop so that if she wasn’t successful in 10 years’ time in football, she’s got those core skills to be successful in life.” 

Jessica Hunter – Overcoming Adversity Award, sponsored by Sunderland Council

 After her treatment for Leukaemia resulted in her losing the use of her legs, Jessica was able to engage in a new passion for cooking through the Foundation’s Family Learning sessions throughout her recovery.  

Her mother, Joanne, said: “Jessica loves getting involved and she’s made me want to do it as well because I think, if she can do it with everything she’s going through, then I can. 

“She just doesn’t let anything faze her. She’s done the whole thing with this massive smile on her face and she’s the one that’s kept us going every day.”

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