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Rivals team up for charity
The Auld enemy England and Scotland will battle it out in memory of a football fan who lost his life to cancer.
Joe Wallace, who was originally from Monkwearmouth and lived in Washington, died of mesothelioma which may have been caused by asbestos he breathed in when he worked on Wearside's shipyards.
He left his wife, Babs, and four sons when he passed away in 2005 at the age of 66.
Now, his son Paul is aiming to raise 90,000 for the British Lung Foundation through Breath of Life, which will help fund research.
As part of his efforts, the 33-year-old, who works as a community support officer with Northumbria Police, is preparing to hold a five-a-side football tournament on Saturday.
Thirty Scots will take on 30 Englishmen in the competition, which will be held at Crowtree Leisure Centre.
The contest was organised after fellow footballers read about Paul's efforts on forums, including www.theblackcats.co.uk.
Many of the opposition are travelling down from Tayside and include former Dundee FC stars Bobby Glennie and Iain MacDonald, with Sunderland's 1973 FA cup winning captain Bobby Kerr, among those joining in the after-match party.
Medals will be presented by former Sunderland AFC and Dundee player John McPhail.
Paul, who is a season ticket holder at Sunderland and lives in Sherburn Hill with his family, has raised 1,800 towards his target.
He said: "I think my Dad would be over the moon with the football side of it.
"He was even more of a football fan than me. I'm more of a spectator, but will get right in there and go for it."
Paul would welcome other teams who wanted to take part, with tickets still available for the evening event at the Quayside Exchange.
In addition to the buffet and disco, an auction and raffle will be held, with prizes including signed shirts, a golf break for two, a photo of Sunderland lifting the FA Cup in 1973 and a framed copy of the Echo from that day when they claimed victory over Leeds.
It is 5 per player to take part in the tournament, which starts at 2pm, and 10 a ticket for the party, held from 7pm to 1am.
Anyone interested can contact Paul on 07792 737813.
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
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