Sunderland football legend Kevin Ball thanks South Shields school for helping Show Racism the Red Card

Mortimer Community College, in South Shields, raised a massive £835 to help tackle racism by taking part in leading anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card’s Wear Red Day.

The sum was the largest single donation received by the North East charity following its annual awareness and fundraising day earlier this year.

The school was also one of 800 across England which registered to take part in the event, making it the most successful Wear Red Day yet for the organisation.

Charity patron Kevin Ball, the former captain of Sunderland, visited the school to receive a cheque from school deputy head Stephen Pickersgill.

Mr Pickersgill said: “We are thrilled with the amount of money our students have raised through the Wear Red Day event.

“The money will play a part in supporting Show Racism the Red Card, to continue their important work in providing educational activities across the country to tackle racism.”

Youngsters raised the money by wearing something red and donating £1 each.

They were inspired to take part after the charity ran anti-racism education workshops earlier this year.

Ged Grebby, chief executive for Show Racism the Red Card, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Mortimer Community College.

“The money these young people have raised will help us to educate more children and young people about racism and tackle discrimination in society at its earliest stage.

“We have been blown away by the success of Wear Red Day this year. We’re estimating this year’s event has raised £55,000 across the UK and the money raised continues to come in from schools and businesses.”

Show Racism the Red Card has delivered anti-racism workshops to more than 1,500 pupils at 42 South Tyneside schools during 2018 and 2019 after receiving funding from South Tyneside Council.

Wear Red Day is the charity’s national day of action and it is already planning for 2020's Wear Red Day on Friday, October 16..

Find out more about Show Racism the Red Card, which delivers workshops challenging prejudice at all levels to around 50,000 young people a year, at www.theredcard.org.