Football fan set to zip to it in latest charity challenge

Foundation fundraiser Roy Hammonds with his grandson Aaron at the Stadium of Light.

A kind-hearted football fan is hitting the net for good causes across the region as he prepares for his latest challenge.

Roy Hammonds, from Jarrow, is to take part in a thrilling zip ride next week to complete a hat-trick of high-octane fundraisers in aid of the Foundation of Light and Beacon of Light.

The Sunderland AFC and South Shields FC supporter also took part in this month’s Great North Run to raise funds for St Clare’s Hospice, in Jarrow.

Roy Hammonds with grandsons Aaron and Zach at a fundraiser at Mariners Park last month. Image by Peter Talbot.

The zip ride will see Roy take the 900ft plunge from the roof of Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, after completing the Lambton 10k in June and this month’s 17.5m Hadrian’s Wall Walk with Black Cats legend Niall Quinn.

The money raised by the long-time Foundation of Light supporter has helped improve the lives of thousands of families and children across the North East.

Roy said: “I first saw the amazing work the Foundation does when my grandson joined their Little Dribblers programme. Everyone was so committed and passionate which convinced me to get involved. Since then I’ve taken part in as many events as possible, and have been lucky enough to be invited along to Foundation sessions which made me feel very proud.”

Roy will be among over 100 daredevil fundraisers taking part in Zip Wear on Sunday, October 8.

They will start from the roof of the stadium and travel 25mph – while suspended 150ft in the air – to the opposite bank at Liebherr Sunderland Works Ltd.

Jemma Garrett, the Foundation of Light’s events manager, added: “It’s selflessness from people like Roy who help make a huge difference to so many lives in the North East.”

Roy held a bucket collection at South Shields’ Mariners Park last month, raising £183 for St Clare’s Hospice.