Jade Thirlwall has shown some love for The Customs House as she sponsors the first gold heart in their Heart of House appeal

The fundraising campaign was launched to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the arts venue last year and 130 dedications have been made since November 2018, raising more than £20,000 for The Customs House Trust Ltd.

Jade, 27 shot to fame alongside Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson and Leigh-Anne Pinnock in 2011 when they became the first group to win the XFactor, and grew up in South Shields honing her talents on The Customs House stage.

Families, couples and individuals have also got behind the campaign and used the text on the hearts to share their memories of The Customs House and what it means to them.

The hearts are currently on display in the foyer of the building, in Mill Dam, South Shields, but will be moved to a permanent location when the campaign ends on Tuesday, March 31 – so there is still time to sponsor a heart.

Silver hearts have been dedicated in memory of actor and director Jackie Fielding and Manchester Arena bombing victims Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry.

Ray Spencer, Executive Director of The Customs House, said: “The Heart of the House appeal has been an opportunity not only for our community to show their love and affection for The Customs House, but also a chance to remember the special people and special

moments in their lives.

“We are so lucky that so many individuals and companies have joined in celebrating our 25 years and also helping us to lay down the foundations of the next 25 years.

“To demonstrate the range of dedications, only this week South Shields Football Club has dedicated a heart to us and our very own Jade Thirlwall has also generously presented a golden heart to the organisation.”

The hearts are available in four sizes and prices start at £25.

They are available to buy from the box office and at www.customshouse.co.uk.