Sunderland Echo
EVEREST EFFORT IN FUNDRAISER
Karen Joynson, from Washington, completed a gruelling 12-day trek to Everest base camp to raise money for two causes close to her heart. Following her dad’s sudden death, Karen was supported by the Chester-le-Street charity If U Care Share, which...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘IT’S FABULOUS’
Lynn Hope has received recognition in the King’s Birthday Honours for offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for children living with disabilities in the Washington area. The 70-year-old gymnastics coach founded Northern Hope Gymnastics Club...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CARE HOME CASH CROOK
Kimberley Barker, 30, admitted stealing more than £5,100 from six residents at Serlby Close care home by pilfering funds from their accounts. The victims, adults with lifelong learning disabilities who could not manage finances, lost sums between...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NEVER FORGET
Take That’s performance at the Stadium of Light has delivered a major economic lift for Sunderland. The event attracted thousands of visitors - to the benefit of local hospitality and helping to strengthen the city’s growing reputation as a premier...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GREATEST DAY
Tens of thousands of Take That music fans are preparing for perhaps the Greatest Day of their lives as the band return to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light. Tonight’s concert marks the third visit to the ground by the group following triumphant shows in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOUSING KEY TO SURVIVAL
Ashbrooke Sports Club has issued a last-ditch plea for Sunderland councillors to approve a 49-home development, warning the scheme is essential to clear £500,000 of debt and secure its long-term future. The plans, submitted by Homes By Esh, stalled...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Bus driver parks up one last time after 30 years
A Washington bus driver is hanging up his ignition keys and retiring after 30 years of transporting the city’s residents. Stagecoach driver Kevin Moses, 66, joined the company in 1996, starting out as a bus driver before becoming an inspector. For...
Read Full Story (Page 4)
STAND DOWN
A 70-year-old Sunderland AFC supporter has praised the club for “listening to fans” after it revised plans to expand safe standing at the Stadium of Light. The club had intended to install rail seating across several blocks in the Roker End and South...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
A POLITICAL WAR OF WORDS HAS ERUPTED
Reform Sunderland council leader Chris Eynon has launched a fierce attack on Houghton and Sunderland South MP and education secretary Bridget Phillipson, just weeks after taking office. The clash follows Labour’s heavy losses in the May 7 local...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
POPPY HERO STEPS DOWN
Fundraiser Vince Harris was given just a three per cent chance of survival after being diagnosed with cancer in 2008 – yet he has spent the last 18 years transforming the city’s annual Poppy Appeal from two collection stalls. Now preparing to step...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Esto es git mint’ – book to help fans speak the lingo with SAFC in Europe
A tongue-in-cheek language guide is on the way for Mackems who plan to follow Sunderland in Europe. Two Sunderland AFC Facebook fan pages have joined forces to produce a new European language magazine which will be launched in time for the club’s...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
RAISING CONCERNS
Sunderland City Hall will no longer fly the Pride flag following a policy change. The city council’s ruling Reform UK group has confirmed only national and civic flags will be displayed outside the building from now on, ending the practice of flying...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PERFECT VISION
The city’s new eye hospital is complete and has officially been handed over to the NHS. The Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital, rising at Riverside for just over two years, is due to start welcoming patients later this summer. Delivered by Kier in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GREEN LIGHT FOR £20M REVAMP PLAN
A £20m regeneration programme for Washington has been approved by the government, clearing the way for a decade of community-led investment shaped by local residents. The long-term plan is part of the government’s Pride in Place Programme, and will...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EURO MI££IONS
Sunderland AFC’s Europa League qualification has been hailed as a gamechanger for the city, with businesses forecasting a major economic and tourism boost. The club’s sensational return to European football for the first time in more than 50 years has...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘WE WANT ANSWERS’
Wayne Clark died a month after bariatric surgery at Sunderland Royal Hospital, following complications which led to him being admitted to its Integrated Critical Care Unit (ICCU). Described as a “gentle giant”, Wayne underwent numerous rounds of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PARENTS’ £25K TARGET TO SAVE DENVAH’S EYE
Ever-smiling Denvah Finlay is only of only 40 children to be diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of eye cancer. The 18-month-old is blind in her right eye, and there are fears she may have to have the eyeball...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BINGO BONANZA
A £5million bingo and entertainment venue is set to bring around 50 new jobs to Sunderland after Club 3000 Bingo announced plans for a major development at The Bridges shopping centre. Expected to open early next year, the venue will be the company’s...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WEMBLEY STAND HONOURS CALLUM
A stand at Wembley Stadium has been temporarily named after 22-year-old Sunderland fan Callum Lawson, who survived a cardiac arrest during last year’s Championship PlayOff Final. Callum collapsed shortly after Sunderland’s opening goal, and his life...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MURDER CASE STILL UNSOLVED
Julie Perigo was discovered dead at her home in Kidderminster Road, Downhill, on May 23, 1986, after officers forced entry to the flat following concerns for her welfare. Reports at the time described a bloodbath scene inside the property, with Julie...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SPEED TRAP
A former teacher is calling for clearer speed limit signs on Chester Road after being caught driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone on the A183 near Hastings Hill, where almost 20,000 motorists were recorded speeding in 21 months. Kenneth Hewitt says he saw...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ADVERTISIN* FEATURE
It has been an exceptionally busy month here at Mobility Care Solutions Murphy and all of the team here are looking forward to the Bank Holiday Weekend and hope you have a fun-filled weekend too! The sun is shining and with so much going on in and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Great people, top food... what’s not to like?’
Presenter Greg James has been singing the praises of Sunderland as the city gets ready for the Radio 1 Big Weekend festival. Preparation is at an advanced stage at Herrington Country Park for one of its biggest events of the year getting under way on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BUS DRIVERS’ JOBS DISPUTE
Nine Sunderland bus drivers say they have been left without pay, work or clarity after being told their contracts would transfer from City Transport Group to Go North East under TUPE rules. When they reported for duty, Go North East said no transfer...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I WILL HATE YOU UNTIL MY LAST BREATH’
A yob high on cannabis who mowed down and killed an 86-year-old grandmother while illegally riding an electric motorbike as he used his mobile phone has been locked up. Hooded and masked Billy Stokoe, 19, from Sunderland, rode into much-loved Gloria...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SISTERS STILL SEEK CLOSURE
Investigators searching for the remains of Sunderland-raised Captain Robert Nairac say fresh lines of inquiry are offering renewed hope, nearly 49 years after his murder during the Troubles. Cpt Nairac, an undercover Grenadier Guard, was abducted from...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I hope she haunts you for the rest of your days’
A grieving daughter bravely faced her mother’s killer in court and gave a heart-breaking speech. Banned driver Reece Roberts dragged Diane Jones nearly 200ft under the wheels of his car in Durham Road, Sunderland, as he drove to buy milk. Miss Jones...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
IMPROVING IN ALL AREAS
Ofsted inspectors have reported significant improvement at Venerable Bede Church of England Academy, marking progress in every area since the school was judged inadequate or requiring improvement in January 2025. Acting headteacher Lisa Turnbull said...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I’LL ALWAYS ROOT FOR SUNDERLAND’
Sunderland’s outgoing council leader Michael Mordey has spoken after losing his seat in the historic local elections that saw Reform UK sweep to power. Labour, which previously held around 50 seats, was reduced to just five, ending decades of control...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘WE’LL DELIVER’
Leading figures on Reform UK have promised to give the Sunderland voters the changes they want after securing their trust in the local elections. Reform UK seized control of Sunderland City Council with 58 seats, ending Labour’s five-decade...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NEW ERA DAWNS
A new political era is dawning in Sunderland today after Reform UK ended Labour’s 52-year grip on the local council. Reform, led nationally by Nigel Farage, has seized Sunderland City Council after winning control of the new-look authority following...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SOLDIER FEARED FOR HER CAREER
Royal Artillery Bombardier Nadine Askew, 31, was found dead in her room at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire on July 22, 2021. Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court heard Bmdr Askew had got into a dispute with a fellow soldier, a gunner, during a party...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MAM’S MEMORY MOVES DEANO
Deano Franciosy, known as The Running Bin Man, is preparing for his latest charity challenge with his trademark wheelie bin strapped to his back. The 57-year-old undertakes a fundraising feat every year on May 28 to honour his mam, Edna Gardner, who...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FOOTBALL KEEPS MEMORIES ALIVE
A new dementia centre has been named after Sunderland football legend Bobby Kerr. The Bobby Kerr Dementia Centre, based at the Sunderland Fans’ Museum, was officially unveiled at 4.40pm on May 5 to mark the exact moment the full-time whistle blew 53...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EXTRA SECURITY AS ATTACKS RISE
Security has been increased across Sunderland and South Tyneside hospitals following a series of assaults on staff and patients. The health trust has issued more body-worn cameras to frontline security teams and reminded guards of available...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SEWAGE SPILLS SPARK SICKNESS
A Sunderland vet has renewed warnings to dog owners after his independent testing revealed high levels of harmful bacteria in seawater along the Sunderland coast. Rory Thomson began investigating after a series of severe sickness cases in dogs being...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ADVERTISIN* FEATURE
It has been an exceptionally busy month here at Mobility Care Solutions Murphy and all of the team here are looking forward to the Bank +oliday Weekend and hope you have a fun-filled weekend too! The sun is shining and with so much going on in and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PLOTS RAIDED
A major multi-agency raid on 33 allotment plots in Pallion has led to 10 Sunderland allotment holders facing eviction after machetes, firearms and cannabis-growing equipment were discovered. Officers seized two machetes, two firearms – including a...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
POLICE RECREATE GRAVE SCENE
Detectives and forensic specialists have returned to the makeshift grave where Sunderland teenager Kieran Williams was found, recreating the murder and burial scene to generate new investigative leads. Officers dug three replica graves matching the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘DEVIOUS AND MANIPULATIVE’
A Sunderland man has been sentenced to nine years behind bars for undertaking a sinister online exploitation attack on a young girl. Stephen McLean, 25, had already convinced the child to send him images of herself before he instructed her to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WAITING WOES
The University of Sunderland’s decision to move its graduation ceremonies from the Stadium of Light has been criticised. This year’s events will be held at The Fire Station to create a more central, city-centre celebration. However, the reduced...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GETTING SHIRTY
An artist says Sunderland AFC has used an image from his Roker beach sculpture C on the club’s away shirt without permission, prompting him to pursue a copyright claim. Andrew Small argues the shirt’s design and promotional video clearly feature his...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HOMES BACKED
Sunderland councillors have approved revised plans for a major housing scheme at the Sheepfolds Industrial Estate near the Stadium of Light. The updated proposal reduces the project to around 450 homes after Sunderland AFC warned earlier designs could...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘MONSTER’
Adam Hall, 43, from Donwell, Washington, was jailed for life at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday for raping four men and deliberately infecting three others with HIV. Convicted of 15 offences including rape, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BOXING CLEVER
A Sunderland boxing club has been brought back to life after a devastating fire destroyed its newly renovated home at Redhouse Workmen’s Club. Redhouse Boxing Club has reopened and founder and long-time coach Frank Bagley said it is fantastic to see...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THIEVES BAGGED
A neighbourhood policing operation has slashed shoplifting in Sunderland Retail Park by 72 per cent. Operation Mansfield was launched after the Roker site recorded the highest shoplifting levels in the Northumbria Police area last autumn. Running...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Man found over the limit and
A man caught asleep in his car while almost twice the drinkdrive limit has been banned from driving. Liam Hetherington, 34, was disqualified for six months under the totting up process after receiving 10 points at South Tyneside Magistrates’...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
Free day offers fun and support for special needs children and families
More than 50 organisations supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities took part in a free event at the Beacon of Light. The event enabled hundreds of families with SEND children to take part in a range fun activities including...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
A MAGIC DAY FOR MYRTLE
Sunderland woman Myrtle Wild celebrated her remarkable 105th birthday with a joyful party at the Marigold Nursing Home on Leechmere Road, joined by family and 50 fellow residents. Wearing a pink crown and presented with a cake reading ‘Immortal...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HORROR BEATING
A thug has been jailed for a brutal dumbbell attack that “caved in” a man’s skull during an unprovoked assault in the victim’s kitchen in July 2022. Jordan Klein struck him twice, causing a depressed skull fracture, orbital fracture, broken nose and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THREE’S A MAGIC NUMBER
A couple are celebrating the birth of their rare triplets after three years of trying to expand their family. Katie Todd and John Bell are already parents to five-year-old Lottie-May, but they had almost given up hope when a home test confirmed...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LEGEND WANTS TOUGH ACTION
Sunderland legend Gary Bennett has urged social media companies to take greater responsibility after the alleged racist abuse directed at striker Brian Brobbey on Sunday. The incident was the third in two months involving Sunderland players,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS?
A community initiative offering free prom wear to disadvantaged young people has become embroiled in a legal dispute over a large donation of dresses and suits. Lee Nicholson, founder of Building Blocks Day Centre in Concord, Washington, is due in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
COMMUNITY LIFELINE
Community Shop has opened in a newly transformed space on Fawcett Street, bringing a social supermarket, community kitchen and learning hub under one roof. Part of the not-for-profit arm of The Company Shop Group, it offers heavily discounted surplus...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘An absolute force of nature’ – the beloved dad fighting MND
A beloved Sunderland dad diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has been hailed as “an absolute force of nature” with his positive outlook on life. David Sampson and his family from Hylton Castle were devastated when he was given the news that he...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
DRIVERS FUME AT FUEL COST
Motorists have criticised fuel companies for “taking advantage” of drivers as diesel prices approached £2 per litre at Washington Service Station. The site was advertising diesel at £1.99.9 and unleaded at £1.84.9, prompting complaints. Moto...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
RAIL STATION TAKES A PUNT
A long-vacant retail unit at Sunderland’s revamped railway station could be brought back into use, with BoyleSports submitting plans to open a betting shop facing Market Square. The unit has stood empty since the southern concourse opened in December...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘DON’T LIVE YOUR LIFE IN FEAR’
Poppy Eagle was a vibrant 20-year-old when she died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition, CPVT. Nearly two years on, her family are honouring her memory through Poppy’s Light Foundation, which raises awareness of inherited cardiac conditions...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I asked if I could have my hand removed’
A Sunderland woman says she has endured two decades of worsening pain and disability after multiple wrist operations performed by surgeon Leslie Irwin, now under investigation by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust. Following repeated surgeries,...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘Sure as you’re born, the loveliest of all was unicorn’
As the song goes: A long time ago when the Earth was green, and there were more kinds of animals than you’ve ever seen. They’d run around free while the Earth was being born, but the loveliest of them all was the Unicorn. The single-horned, horse like...
Read Full Story (Page 4)
CRACKING SUCCESS
The Sunderland Echo’s annual Easter Egg Appeal run by Hope 4 Kidz has once again been hailed a huge success following a remarkable surge of generosity from readers, businesses and community groups. Chocolate eggs were donated across a host of drop-off...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CREATURE COMFORTS
A Washington-based charity that saves unwanted exotic animals, is appealing for support as it prepares to move into its first dedicated rescue centre. Richmond Exotics, run from the home of founders Becky and Chris Richmond, currently cares for around...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SAY IT WITH A SMILE NOT A MOBILE
A Sunderland school has banned parents from using mobile phones on school grounds to boost safeguarding and improve parent–child interaction. Willow Wood Community Primary School headteacher Lindsay Robertson introduced the rule to prevent protected...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
UNDER THREAT
The University of Sunderland is exploring the possibility of consolidating all its faculties and facilities to an expanded City Campus site. The university currently operates across two centres, with business, law, arts, computing and media facilities...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘If I lose them I’ve nothing to live for’
Brian Lormor, 65, from Hettonle-Hole, faces eviction after landlord Gentoo ruled he must reduce his nine pet dogs to the permitted two under its tenancy policy. Magistrates have extended his eviction deadline from April 10 to May 31 to allow time to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
WHEELS OF MISFORTUNE
Sunderland City Council has defended issuing more than 27,000 bus-lane fines between January 2023 and December 2025, generating £741,302 in revenue. Freedom of Information data shows 14,454 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued in 2024, raising...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC
Geoff Docherty, the legendary Sunderland music promoter who brought global rock icons to the city in the 1960s and ’70s, has died aged 86. Friends David Waller and Karen Banwell have paid tribute to his modesty and huge cultural impact, recalling how...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GAME ON
A major new venue is taking shape beside the Stadium of Light, with the former Audi garage being transformed into a 15,000 sq ft multi-use British Arena set to open this summer. Delivered by British Esports, the site will go far beyond gaming, hosting...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘WE’VE BEEN DECEIVED’
Sunderland’s Labour Group has accused the University of Sunderland of presenting repair and running costs for the National Glass Centre “in a way to deceive the council and its residents”, as councillors push for the planned closure and demolition to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CALL CENTRE FACES AXE
Hundreds of workers face an uncertain future after learning that their call centre may close. Around 460 staff at BT’s contact centre at Doxford International Business Park, in Sunderland, are affected by the announcement. One worker told the Echo...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘UNPRECEDENTED’
More than 100 former patients of Sunderland surgeon Dr Leslie Irwin have contacted law firm Slater and Gordon following concerns over procedures carried out at Spire Washington Hospital and Sunderland Royal Hospital. Both Spire and South Tyneside and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DERBY HEROES
Sunderland enjoyed a memorable afternoon at St James’ Park yesterday as they put Newcastle United in their place with a stirring secondhalf comeback to seal a league double over their bitter rivals. Regis Le Bris’s men extended their unbeaten streak...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Development breathes new life into historic property with workspaces
From a curiosity shop selling gems of yesteryear Sunderland to a wellness brand, eight new business spaces have been created in an historic city building. This week saw the launch of 19 Norfolk Street, which has brought eight new workspaces to a...
Read Full Story (Page 3)
IT’S A FROM US!
Sunderland could soon be stepping into the spotlight as a future home of Strictly Come Dancing, with city leaders determined to turn ambition into a showstopping reality. Backed by a £38.5million funding package, plans for Crown Works studios are...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CULTURE SHIFT
Sunderland’s flagship contemporary art gallery is set for a fresh start after plans were confirmed to relocate it to the new Culture House in Keel Square. The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art will move from the National Glass Centre, which is due...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PLAY SAFE!
Football supporters heading to Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby are being urged to plan ahead as authorities prepare for huge crowds and heightened security. With Metro and rail services running on limited Sunday timetables, supporters are warned to expect...
Read Full Story (Page 1)