Sunderland fans fast approaching £100,000 target with Papa John's Trophy final commemorative tickets

Sunderland AFC take on Tranmere Rovers at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 14, in the Papa John’s Trophy final in what will be their second appearance in the final of the tournament in three seasons.

Despite fans not being able to attend the match in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the usual scramble for Wembley tickets has still taken place – except this time, there is a twist.

Lifelong fan Peter Richardson came up with an idea of letting people buy a commemorative ticket, which was then picked up by supporters’ groups Red and White Army, the Senior Supporters Association and Sunderland AFC Branch Liaison Council who teamed up with the club and its official charity, the Foundation of Light – with the aim of raising money for a bunch of worthy causes.

On Tuesday, March 2, the fundraising campaign had reached its £73,000 target and now, just ten days since it began, the scheme has raised more than £95,000 and is fast approaching the final target of £100,000.

An update on the fund-raising page on Friday, March 5, said: “It is simply unbelievable to think that in ten days, Sunderland fans have raised over £92,000 for local charities.

“Such an amazing achievement and it just goes to show how incredible our fans are.

"Whilst the money itself is staggering, it may not come as a surprise to many that Sunderland fans have come together in such an awe-inspiring way, looking after our own, compassion and pride are three inherent traits of our fans.”

All donations will be split between the Foundation of Light, the Salvation Army, Sunderland Foodbank and Washington Mind as part of the #SunderlandTogether campaign to provide support during the pandemic and tackle challenges including rising food poverty, increased social isolation among older people, poor mental health and rising unemployment.

Fans can make donations via a dedicated page at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/sunderland-together! where they can purchase mementos from as little as £5 for an e-ticket, with printed keepsakes available for £10.

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