From leaving school with one ‘O Level’ to holding a controlling share in Sunderland AFC, Sir Bob is the epitome of a self-made businessman who’s success can be judged by the sheer amount he gives back to his community.
You only have to look at Sunderland AFC to witness Sir Bob’s lasting impact on the club. The Stadium of Light and Academy of Light were both commissioned under his tenure; both are reflections of his mantra to “leave the place you takeover in a better place than you received it.”
Sir Bob’s work at Sunderland prompted the prime minister at the time, Tony Blair, to request that he help raise money and sign off on the development of Wembley Stadium, then later St George’s Park.
It must be said that Sir Bob engaged in all of this work for the good of football, yet despite his efforts he failed to secure tickets for a Taylor Swift concert that is set to take place in the stadium he developed!
It is his work away from the pitch that Sir Bob is most proud of though. During his time as owner of Sunderland AFC, he set up the Foundation of Light as a way to help the wider north-east community.
“We’re a country of have and have-nots, we’re a divided nation,” claimed Sir Bob, “I’ve seen things I never thought would happen.”
Having been raised in Consett, County Durham, Sir Bob understands the “great social need” in the north-east. The foundation’s programs are “that good” they have even been replicated by the Premier League in their bid to help people who need it most.
You can order I’d Do It All Again at www.sirbobmurray.com – all proceeds go to the Foundation of Light.
