Fantastic Sunderland fans have donated more than 250 shirts to an African village

And the appeal to send Sunderland football shirts to an African village was such a huge success that more than 250 of all sizes were donated.

It was early in May that we revealed the story of the village of Karai in Kenya which is the home of Sunderland AFC Keroche football team.

The team was established in 2012 and relies on donations from SAFC fans.

It has progressed to become a side with a fanbase of between 3,000 and 4,000 supporters and the team has reached 22 cup finals in the last nine years.

Gary Lamb from Seaham, is the president of Sunderland AFC Keroche which he originally founded with John Eilbeck.

He previously told the Echo that the area has been hit hard by the pandemic and wanted to help all the fans who would ‘love to be wearing the famous Sunderland colours’.

The appeal led to an influx of donated shirts which have now been counted and will be packed up soon.

Gary said: “Every donation came from local people from Castletown to Downhill, Roker, Seaburn and Houghton-le-Spring,”

He said Consett FC even helped out by donating three full sets of kits which the junior team used to use.

He said shirts from children’s sizes to XXL had all been sent in.

And on top of all the kits already sent in, one man in Staffordhsire had donated an entire collection of 52 shirts which will be added to the total.

To donate a shirt, hat or scarf contact Gary on 07880 732078.

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