70 year old SAFC fan raffles unique SAFC shirt and takes on half marathon for fantastic causes
Here’s how you can win a “one-of-a-kind signed Sunderland AFC shirt” and help two fantastic causes
A lifelong Sunderland AFC supporter has donated a unique piece of club memorabilia signed by a Black Cats legend, a World Cup winner, and a Scottish international to help raise funds for both the Foundation of Light and the Alzheimer's Society.
Paul Boyd, who celebrated his 70th birthday last year, is taking on two fundraising challenges during 2026 in support of the Alzheimer's Society.
As well as raffling off the “one-of-a-kind signed Sunderland AFC shirt”, Paul is also taking on the Blaydon Races and the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London to raise money for a cause close to his heart.
Paul said: “We are all touched by age, whether it’s our family, our friends or ourselves. As we get older we come more and more into contact with people who have experienced the effects of dementia and aging first hand. People don’t always ask for help, but the Alzheimer’s Society is always there to offer that help.
“I celebrated my 70th birthday in December last year and I feel lucky to retain my health and fitness. I’ve always been a runner and the Blaydon Races have always been on my bucket list, but this year I’ll be running it for the very first time and I’ll be joined by my granddaughter Scarlett.
“I’m not stopping there. My main fundraising effort this year will be the Royal Parks Half Marathon - my favourite run in London.”
The Sunderland AFC shirt being raffled holds a special place in Sunderland history. Paul won it during a Foundation of Light fundraising event at the Stadium of Light in 2011, where England World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks was guest speaker alongside Sunderland legends Jimmy Montgomery and Craig Gordon.
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Following his prize win, Paul asked all three goalkeepers to sign the shirt, creating a unique piece of football memorabilia that he has carefully preserved ever since. Now, more than a decade later, Paul has decided to put the shirt to good use by using it to help raise money for two causes that make a difference to people's lives.
He said: “I've supported Sunderland AFC all my life and the shirt has been safely stored away for many years. Rather than keep it hidden, I wanted it to do some good and help raise money for charities that are making a real difference to people and communities.
"The Foundation of Light event where I won the shirt was a memorable evening and it feels fitting that it can now help support the Foundation's work while also contributing towards my fundraising for the Alzheimer's Society."
Supporters will be able to enter a prize draw as part of Foundation of Light's fundraising campaign featuring the shirt, with proceeds shared between the Foundation and Alzheimer's Society.
Foundation of Light's Head of Marketing and Communications, Kate Smith, said: "Paul's story perfectly captures the power of football to bring people together. This shirt is a unique piece of Sunderland history, but what makes it even more special is Paul's decision to use it to help others.
“We're delighted to be working alongside Paul to raise funds for both the Foundation of Light and the Alzheimer's Society."
You can enter the draw for the signed shirt by making a donation to the Foundation of Light’s Crowdfunder page. You can also donate to Paul’s cause via his JustGiving page.