A festive supper event is being staged next month to raise some Christmas cheer and funds for an ex-Sunderland and Hartlepool footballer in his rehabilitation from neurological injuries.
John ‘Monty’ MacPhail suffered the life-changing injuries in a fall at his family home in Teesside, in December 2021, which has seen him spending the last two years in hospital.
Fundraising has taken place since in a bid to enable the Scottish-born centre-back to return to his family home to continue his rehabilitation.
But it will require extensive adaptations and alterations, which is where funds raised from the supper evening will be targeted.
Sunderland Former Players’ Association (SFPA) has organised the event, to be staged in the Montgomery Suite at the club’s Stadium of Light ground.
A great evening of football chat is promised with guest speakers, including Sunderland AFC head coach Tony Mowbray, to be compered by Jeff Brown, of BBC North East.
There will be a drink on arrival, with hot food, a quiz, heads and tails competition, a raffle and lots more.
MacPhail was a popular player for Sunderland in the late 1980s and early 90s, appearing for the club in the top three divisions in English football.
Among his other former clubs are York City and Hartlepool, where he was also manager after hanging up his boots in the 90s.
Previously, the proceeds from the SFPA Christmas event has supported numerous local and national charities, but the decision was taken to back one of their own number this year.
The event takes place on Thursday December 14, from 7pm.
Individual tickets cost £27.50 each, with tables of ten £275.
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The ticket includes a reception drink, hot supper and quiz, plus the address and talk by Mr Mowbray and other guests.
Tables and tickets can be reserved by contacting ex-Sunderland player Peter Stronach, at peas56@hotmail.co.uk or by calling, or texting, on 07881 531571.
Payment can be made by BACS or, alternatively, by cheque, made payable to SFPA, which can be sent to: SFPA Xmas event, 37 Silksworth Lane, Barnes, Sunderland, SR3 1LW.
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