North East football heroes to help Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council show racism the red card

Some North East football legends are joining forces with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to take a united stance against racism this Friday (October 21).

The Council is supporting Show Racism the Red Card's annual 'Wear Red Day' with a series of fundraising activities, including a five-a-side football tournament and games of rounders.

And the event will be supported by former football stars Gary Pallister and Steve Howey, with Craig Hignett also set to make an appearance.

Council staff will have the chance to meet the former Premier League players, who starred for the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough during their careers.

There'll also be health walks, yoga, two kilometre and five kilometre runs and Bhangra dancing.

As well as this, Newport Bridge and Stockton's town centre and riverside will be lit up red as part of the Council's feature lighting programme.

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: "At the Council we're always very keen to support the 'Wear Red Day' and the message is clear that any form of racism will not be tolerated in our Borough and beyond.

"It's fantastic to have Gary Pallister, Steve Howey and Craig Hignett involved. I must say a special thanks to them for giving up their time for a brilliant cause.

"It's going to be a great day on Friday and we can all show our support across the Borough by wearing red. I'd also encourage anyone who feels able to donate to the campaign to do so because it does a great job tackling discrimination up and down the country."

To make a £1 donation to Show Racism the Red Card, text 'RED' to 70470. Text 'RED5' to give £5, 'RED10' to give £10, or 'RED20' to give £20.

Texts cost the donation amount plus the standard message rate.

You can also follow the #WRD22 social media hashtag and visit the Show Racism the Red Card website to find out more.

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