Award winning automotive retailer Vertu has strengthened its support for Sunderland based charity The Fans Museum as it prepares to open a second major site in the North East.
The Fans Museum, which is rooted in the city and operates from its Sunderland base, is home to an extensive and much loved collection of football memorabilia. The archive spans generations of the game, featuring match worn shirts from some of football’s biggest names, trophies and medals from iconic fixtures, as well as deeply personal items donated by supporters and a wide range of classic programmes.
Founded by Sunderland resident Michael Ganley, The Fans Museum was created not only to celebrate football’s rich heritage, but also to use the game as a force for good. The charity works closely with community groups across Sunderland, the wider North East and beyond, supporting inclusion, wellbeing and social connection.
A Mercedes Benz Vito Tourer donated by Vertu in 2020 has played a key role in extending that mission. The vehicle has allowed Michael and a dedicated team of volunteers to take the museum out into neighbourhoods, visiting schools, care homes and community centres to support mental wellbeing initiatives and help tackle social isolation.
Alongside its outreach work, the museum runs dedicated mental health and autism hubs and also oversees an inclusive football league, giving people with disabilities the opportunity to play the game in a supportive environment.
Now preparing for its next chapter, The Fans Museum is set to open a new hub at Prince Bishops Place in the heart of Durham. Alongside this expansion, the charity is developing a new nationwide initiative that will see specially curated memory boxes distributed to community settings.
Aimed particularly at older people, including those living with dementia, the memory boxes contain carefully selected football memorabilia from different eras. The items are designed to spark conversation, stimulate memories and encourage meaningful interaction.
As part of its continued backing, Vertu has covered the costs of re striping the Mercedes Benz vehicle to give it a fresh, eye catching look. The company has also made a financial contribution towards the operating costs of the new Durham site.
Michael Ganley, Founder of the Fans Museum, said: “The support of Vertu has been crucial to our work in recent years, with the van allowing us to take our collection out to communities across the North East – and beyond.
“At an exciting time for The Fans Museum as we prepare to open our Durham site, we’re delighted to strengthen our ties with one of the leading businesses in the region as we continue our work to support people of all ages through the power of the beautiful game.”
Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, said: “The Fans Museum is not only a fantastic project for football fans, but also carries out vital community work nationwide.
“We are delighted to support Michael and the museum’s excellent team of volunteers, so they can continue to make a real difference for those who need it most.”
