Let's get Carried Away - new clothing line launched in tribute to Big Davey and to support SAFC Heaven Branch

‘Big Davey’ had become known and loved by football fans across the Tyne and Wear divide for his regular calls to BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport and had gained fame for his booming voice and catchphrase ‘let’s get carried away’.

Davey sadly passed away at the age of 64 on Sunday, September 14, just five months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Davey’s son Kevin Atkinson said: “At the time my dad was ill we were looking to raise money to help with his care and me and my sister Gemma spoke with my dad about the idea of raising money through an online clothing business using his catchphrase ‘Lets get Carried Away’.

“Whilst my dad was ill, we didn’t expect him to pass away as quickly as he did and so the business idea was just parked to one side.

“It was weeks later when we revisited the idea of raising money in my dad’s name to help support other good causes and continue his legacy. When we spoke with my dad about the idea he said ‘when opportunities come along in life, you have to grasp them - now let's get it done’.

“The launch of Get Carried Away Clothing is more than just a clothing line — it’s a promise kept.

“This brand carries him. Every stitch is a tribute, every sale gives back. It’s for the fans, for the families and for his legacy.”

Whilst some of the initial money generated will be used to help grow the business, at least one pound from every sale is earmarked to support the SAFC Heaven Branch supporters club, with further ideas in the pipeline to help other good causes if the venture takes off.

The Heaven Branch helps to support families of SAFC fans who are dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. They have created a memorial area by the main entrance to the Stadium of Light where supporters can visit to reflect, lay family member’s ashes and memory pebbles.

Kevin said: “After my dad died the Heaven Branch did all sorts to help with the funeral arrangements. They contacted us almost straight away with support, sent out pitch cuttings for us to put in with my dad for his funeral along with a flag to drape over his coffin and Sunderland AFC related flowers.

“They also sent really touching gifts for all the family and we wore our Heaven Branch badges with pride at the funeral. They even sent flag bearers to line the entrance to the crematorium for my dad’s arrival. The branch have been there to support my mam after the funeral and so we want to give something back to support them.

“As the clothing line grows we would like to support charities linked to other clubs as well as donating money to a charity which supports people with the same type of brain tumour my dad was diagnosed with.”

Davey’s legacy - and catchphrase - is also living on on matchdays with the club playing out a recording of ‘Let’s get Carried Away’ before every Sunderland AFC home game.

Kevin said: “The club contacted me a few weeks ago to ask about using my dad’s catchphrase before each home game. At first I thought it would just be a the public announcer saying it, but it’s actually a recording of my dad. It gets played 15 minutes before kick off.

“My dad would have loved this - he always loved being on the radio and talking about Sunderland. I’m pleased my dad go to see us get promoted and to be back in the Premier League.

“Before the season started he predicted we would finish seventh and he would be over the moon with the start we have made.”

The Get Carried Away brand officially launches today (November 26) with items for sale including hoodies, t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, and tracksuit tops. You can find out more and place orders via their website.