Thieves steal Quinny shirt from hospital

A consultant at Sunderland Royal Hospital has hit out at thieves who have stolen an SAFC replica shirt which was on permanent display there, donated by club legend Niall Quinn.

Quinny donated part of the proceeds of his testimonial in May 2002 to the hospital for the extension and refurbishment of the children's outpatients building, where the shirt was on show. But on Friday night the shirt was taken. The shirt had been signed by the whole Sunderland team as it was at the time.

Consultant Paediatrician Andy Mellon said, "It's a nice memento to have because Niall Quinn opened the building and donated the money for the refurbishment. He didn't want a lot of fuss made and he didn't want his name on the building, so it was a nice way to show our respect for the man and what he'd done in an understated way.

"It has robbed the kids of something when they come in. It's such a distinctive piece – no one's going to be able to sell it, so I don't understand why they're taken it."

And Julie Bramley, Directorate Manager of Paediatrics said today "I'm appealing to whoever stole it to return it.

"It's a building for children, so whoever stole the shirt should feel very ashamed of themselves. The shirt has no value, it isn't worth anything, so I don't see why it was stolen. I only hope the person who stole it doesn't enjoy it."