Charity champ hits back of the net with donation to Sunderland school

It’s almost sixteen years since Peter David Lane died while playing on a rope swing in Galley’s Gill on November 23, 2002. Since then his mum Julie Reay from Barnes has kept his memory alive with countless fundraising efforts for her home city.

To date she has donated more than £150,000 to good causes through her Peter David Lane Trust Fund and her latest donation has seen her buy a new football kit for a school that’s close to her heart.

Back in 2009, Julie donated a Sunshine Coach to Southwick Community Primary School, which is still in use today. Now, she’s donated a new strip for the school’s football team.

Julie said: “I am proud and delighted to be able to offer my help and support to the children of Southwick Community School. The old strips they were using were a little worn and dated so when they asked if I could help out and sponsor some new kit I jumped at the chance.

“I have always felt a connection with this school as in 2009 Peter’s Fund sponsored a beautiful sunshine coach. In fact the same coach transports the kids to some of the away matches, as well as still getting used for school trips.

“It’s an honour to be able to help out again. The new strips look great and, of course, carry Peter’s logo, as well as the school’s crest. I’d like to say a big thanks to Total Sports in Hendon Road who did a fantastic job in getting these just right.”

Christian Robson, headteacher at the school, said: “The Peter David Lane Trust through Julie have given so much support to our school. They are so generous and have created so many wonderful opportunities for our children from football strips to our mini bus which is constantly in use transporting the football team, swimmers and children to many educational visits.

“She is an amazing lady forever linked to our Southwick Primary.”