In December 1995 Chairman elect, Stewart Wilkinson, arranged a meeting in the Demi Social Club Consett, with the aim of forming a local branch of the Sunderland Supporters Association. Amazingly almost 150 fans attended and as the minimum number required by Sunderland Association Football Club was 50 members, the Consett and District Branch of SAFC was established.
7 years ago they decided to raise funds for local charities and in 2012 the members chose Willow Burn Hospice as many of the members had been touched by the work of Willow Burn and it is a charity close to everyone’s heart.
Over the last 5 years they have held social events, which are now the highlight in the Supporters Clubs calendar, bike rides from the Clubs base in Consett to the Stadium of Light and collections on the bus on the way to home games. This has resulted in the club raising a fantastic £38,815 for Willow Burn and Community Fundraiser Jacki Pigford was proud to present the members with a bespoke banner at their most recent social event.
Jacki said “We are so grateful for the support that the Consett Sunderland Supporters Club has given Willow Burn over the last 5 years. To raise over £38,000 is a fantastic achievement and it has made such a difference to the people we care for.”
Kevin Clare, Secretary, Consett Sunderland Supporters Club said “We ask our members which charity they want to support and year on year they say Willow Burn. The Hospice is so well thought of in the area and everyone in the club has been touched by what they do.”
The club now have big plans for the next year including members walking from Consett to the Stadium of Light (over 24 miles!) and taking to the skies for sky dives!
Thank you to all of the members of Consett Sunderland Supporters Club for your wonderful contribution to Willow Burn Hospice.
If you would like more information about the Consett Sunderland Supporters Club visit their website http://www.consettsafcsa.com/