Ex-Sunderland striker Danny Graham's brilliant gesture to help Washington United back the NHS

The club are looking to get heavily involved in the local community and they have fundraised for Washington Food Bank over the last few months - but this week saw them go one step further with the announcement that they will forego any sponsorship on the away kit to wear a bespoke NHS kit that was put together by former Black Cats striker Graham and his sportswear brand Fugati.

Several kits were designed by the company and Graham asked his Instagram followers to help decide which should go into production before being offered to a club.

The winning choice was an all white kit with a rainbow pattern and the NHS logo brandished across the front – and it is the Wearside League new-boys that will wear the kit over the coming season.

Thompson revealed his pride at being able to see his side show their support as they prepare for a historic campaign.

He told The Echo: “Our whole outlook is uniting Washington and I think we want to bring the community together.

“Obviously the NHS is a massive part of that, and they have been through a lot over the last few months with everything that is going on.

“Danny (Graham) has been doing a lot to support them and he has fundraised for the NHS and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead by raffling match-worn shirts and boots.

“Our head coach Andy Taylor is good friends with Danny and he was more than happy to discuss the kit with us when we got in touch.

“A few clubs wanted them, but we are the only club in the country that will wear it this season.

“We had to look at the financial side of it, but we have a sponsor on the home kit – so we felt doing this would only be right and it is something that makes me very proud.”