The Statue for Stokoe appeal fund has reached its target of £73,000 after the announcement of contributions from Sunderland AFC and the City of Sunderland Council.
The appeal was launched just over nine months ago following the death of Bob Stokoe, the man who led Sunderland AFC to an unforgettable FA Cup victory in 1973.
A wide range of fund-raising initiatives have ensued, with the aim of raising £73,000 for a statue of Bob Stokoe to be sited at the Stadium of Light.
The fund-raising push has included: collections at the Stadium of Light and in local pubs and clubs; celebrity golf days; sales of commemorative beer and a theatre performance.
Lesley Callaghan, Marketing and Communications Director of Sunderland AFC, said: “Thanks to the generosity and efforts of local people, Sunderland supporters and donations from across the world, we are now in the position to commission the work on the statue to remember Bob Stokoe in way that reflects his popularity and stature.
“We are very grateful to everyone that has supported us in reaching this important milestone.”
A working group, which has included representatives of Sunderland AFC, the City Council, supporters’ and players’ associations and the Sunderland Echo, has met regularly to develop plans for a permanent tribute to this well loved man who had made such an impact on the City.
Cllr. Bob Symonds, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “I’m delighted that the City Council and Sunderland AFC are jointly supporting this project.
“This will provide a lasting memorial to one of the key figures in Sunderland’s cultural history and enable an early start on the production of the statue of Bob Stokoe.”
Proposals have already been received from a number of sculptors bidding to produce the statue. Having now reached the £73,000 target, commissioning of the statue will begin early in the New Year with installation hopefully approximately six to nine months later.
Public consultation on the final design of the statue will be an essential part of this process and the intention is to create a life-like representation of Bob Stokoe, cast in bronze. In the event of any surplus funding, this will support Alzheimer’s charities at the request of Bob Stokoe’s family.
In addition to the City Council’s participation in the appeal working group, special displays were mounted at the City Library and Arts Centre in February and in May 2004. They commemorated and celebrated the contribution Bob Stokoe made to the cultural heritage of the City.
On 5th May 2004, the anniversary of Sunderland’s historic Wembley win, a Civic Memorial Service was held for Bob Stokoe at Sunderland Minster.
This was attended by around 400 people – including members of Bob Stokoe’s family along with past players, friends and supporters.
Special video footage of the FA Cup win was shown and the FA Cup, on loan from the Football Association, was displayed at the front of the church.
With confirmed contributions of just over £5,000 from Sunderland AFC and the City Council, the Statue for Stokoe appeal has now reached its £73,000 target.
