Sunderland AFC legend Niall Quinn hits the Wall for charity

The former player, manager and chairman beat aches and pains to finish first in a charity walk, along with daughter Aisling, and raised more than £5,000 for the Foundation of Light.

The ex-Black Cat, along with 20 walkers, battled through to walk part of Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds for the foundation’s new Beacon of Light.

The Hadrian’s Walk challenge was led by experienced guides and covered a 17.5-mile route from Walltown Quarry to the George at Chollerford.

Foundation of Light Ambassador Niall said: “It was great to be back in the region with Aisling to help the foundation. The walk was a real challenge in places, but the breath-taking scenery and great company made it all worthwhile.”

Niall and his army of walkers enjoyed stunning views of Crag Lough, Housesteads Roman Fort, Brocolita Roman Temple and Sycamore Gap.

Paul Feechan and his daughter Emma, 18, also completed the walk.

Paul commented: “Hadrian’s Wall is on our door step and I’ve wanted to walk it for years, so when the opportunity came up my daughter Emma and I jumped at the chance.”

“The first stretch of the walk in Northumberland is spectacular and as we were talking to new people all day, we weren’t really thinking about the walk or terrain.”

“I walked by Niall chatting for about an hour, but his stride must be twice that of mine so I felt like I’d run part of it.” Peter added: “The Foundation of Light and the Beacon are hidden gems in the region. A lot of people have no idea what the Foundation really does or how many people it helps every year.”

The main structure of the £18million Beacon is now in place and construction is due to be completed by Summer 2018.

Niall added: “The Foundation has done an amazing job raising £16million of the £18million target- but we still need help to finish the job- so I would really urge as many people as possible to “Back the Beacon.”

To learn more about the Beacon of Light visit: www.beaconoflight.co.uk