Bank account set up for donations towards statue of Sunderland legend Charlie Hurley

Date: 02/11/2006 Photographer: SE
BLACK AND WHITE IMAGE OF CHARLIE HURLEY LEADING TEAM FOR CUPTIE AGAINST EVERTON - FEBRUARY 1964 OLD REF SPORT 2 174 picture caption: Charlie Hurley dedicated to the task of leading Sunderland back to the First Divsion, takes out his team for their day of Cup glory at ROKER Park on Saturday, when they proved how well they are equipped for a promotion by handing out a hiding to First Divsion champions, Everton Sunderland Echo Monday February 17 1964 — Date: 02/11/2006 Photographer: SE BLACK AND WHITE IMAGE OF CHARLIE HURLEY LEADING TEAM FOR CUPTIE AGAINST EVERTON - FEBRUARY 1964 OLD REF SPORT 2 174 picture caption: Charlie Hurley dedicated to the task of leading Sunderland back to the First Divsion, takes out his team for their day of Cup glory at ROKER Park on Saturday, when they proved how well they are equipped for a promotion by handing out a hiding to First Divsion champions, Everton Sunderland Echo Monday February 17 1964

The Echo reported earlier this year that a group of fans had started a campaign to immortalise the popular defender, voted SAFC Player of the Century in 1979.

Campaigners have set up a committee to raise between £75,000 and £80,000 for the tribute.

Republic of Ireland international Charlie, who arrived at Roker Park in 1957 and was captain when the team won promotion into the First Divison in 1964, will celebrate his 80th birthday this October.

Now, a bank account has been set up to gather in donations.

Those wanting to give money should send an email to [email protected] outlining their donation.

The account details are Natwest Bank, sort code 60-09-27, account number 79605796

Cheques, payable to Charlie Hurley Statue Fund, and cash can also be handed in or posted to Martin O’Neill, Sweet Home Alabama, in Fawcett Street.

Plans are also being developed for registered collectors as well as public collection points and anyone donating at least £5 will be given a receipt.

An announcement on this is set to follow shortly.

Anyone who would like to discuss ideas they may have for fund-raising should contact secretary of the group Tracey Hawkins on 07736 464023 and [email protected], or Martin O’Neill on 07723 814983 and [email protected] or Mark Metcalf, the committe’s treasurer on 07392 852561 & [email protected]

The next meeting of the Charlie Hurley Statue group will take place on Friday, June 17, at 6.30pm at St Mary Church, in Bridge Street, Sunderland.