Sir Bob Murray – founder and chairman of British kitchen manufacturer Omega and property company Sterling Capitol, who is best known as the former chairman of Sunderland AFC and the visionary behind the Stadium of Light, Academy and Beacon of Light, has issued a Christmas appeal to Sunderland fans after he confirmed his autobiography has already raised £75,000 in less than two months for the Foundation of Light since it was published in October. Sir Bob is now appealing to Sunderland fans to help him reach £100,000 for the charity that helps local people across the region.
He said: “I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of Sunderland supporters since the book was published. People had joked for years I should write a book but it was only when the Foundation asked me to do it to help raise funds that I agreed. There are no supporters in the land like Sunderland fans, and their big-hearted response in buying the book is just typical of their unrivalled support and generosity. As most fans know I like to think big and with their help I think together we can top £100K for the Foundation, which would change so many more local lives in 2024.”
As part of his drive to raise much-needed funds for the Foundation he will host a book signing in The Bridges Shopping Centre next week, which will be the final opportunity for supporters to get a signed copy of the book before Christmas. Supporters are invited to meet the former Sunderland AFC chairman in Sunderland city centre from 3.30 - 4.30pm on Tuesday 12th December before Sunderland take on Leeds United that evening. Sir Bob will be there to meet supporters, have photographs taken and sign copies of I’d Do It All Again. Copies of Sir Bob’s autobiography will be available to buy on the day with 100% of the book sales going to Sunderland AFC’s official charity, the Foundation of Light.
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.
The Foundation of Light was founded by Sir Bob in 2001. It uses the power of football to inspire young people and change lives using a range of pioneering and award-wining sports, health, community and education programmes.
