1966 Heroes Pitch in for Grace House

A star studded line-up of former World Cup heroes came to Tyneside for a  unique 40th anniversary fundraising event in celebration of England’s greatest football achievement.

Half a dozen players from the original 1966 World Cup winning team, Jackie Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Gordon Banks, Alan Ball, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters attended a sports dinner and talk-in at St James’ Park in Newcastle.   

The event was the brainchild of local businessman David Cook, Director of ACA Financial Services in Sunderland.  He explained: “I had an idea last year to raise funds for Grace House but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would grow into something so spectacular.  I’m told this is the first time since the 1960’s that so many former players from that winning team have come together which makes this event truly unique.”     

 

Appeal Founder, Kathy Secker said, “If you had told me a couple of years ago that the great World Cup heroes of 1966 would be coming up to the North East to help raise funds for our Appeal I would have said “In your dreams!”  Well it just goes to show that dreams do come true.  A huge thank you to David Cook and Geoff Bowman from ACA Financial Services for raising in excess of £40,000 and choosing our charity to be the beneficiary.  It was a wonderful result to cap off a wonderful evening.”   Thank you boys.

Kathy Secker