Freedoms and honours

Freedoms of the City have gone to Sunderland AFC 'legend' Kevin Ball and ex-serviceman Gerard 'Ger' Fowler for his work with the Sunderland Armed Forces Partnership and for founding Veterans in Crisis (VICs).

Former long-serving councillors Peter Wood and Louise Farthing were honoured for eminent service to the council and city. Mr Wood, a former Conservative councillor, is now an Honorary Alderman and Mrs Farthing, a former Labour councillor, is an Honorary Alderwoman.

The honours were all conferred at a special meeting of the City Council on Wednesday 24 July.

Freedoms are traditionally awarded by Sunderland City Council to citizens who make 'significant contributions to the wellbeing and community spirit of Sunderland.'

Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Business, Councillor Kevin Johnston moved a resolution for Mr Ball to receive the freedom and said: "Kevin Ball, or 'Bally' as he is affectionately known, has been a determined force both on and off the pitch. His career as a footballer and his subsequent roles within Sunderland AFC have made him a true legend in the eyes of fans and residents."

He said Mr Ball's impact on Sunderland went far beyond his on pitch footballing abilities as he moved seamlessly into coaching and ambassadorial roles with SAFC. His dedication to nurturing young talent and his tireless efforts in community outreach programmes cemented his legacy as not just a footballer, but as a pillar of the Sunderland community.

Cllr Johnston added: "His work with local schools, charities and youth programmes has had a lasting impact, encouraging a sense of belonging and hope in many young people's lives. His generosity and unwavering support for the community have earned him the admiration and love of all who have had the privilege to know him."

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Michael Mordey said: "Mr Ball's generosity and unwavering support for the community have earned him the admiration and love of all who have the privilege to know him. And talking of supporting the community it is fitting that Kevin, as Patron of Veterans in Crisis, is here tonight alongside Ger being awarded a Freedom of the City this evening."

Councillor Michael Dixon, who seconded the freedom motion, and described himself as an SAFC supporter for nearly 65 years, said it was with the greatest pleasure that he was able to contribute to the proceedings of honouring Mr Ball.

He said: "Sunderland Football Club and the people of Sunderland have an unbreakable relationship and over the years there have been many very good and loyal players who have represented Sunderland. However, in my time as a supporter and I would suggest well before, Kevin Ball was one of, if not the, most significant and important person to have been associated with the club which extended to the countless roles he carried out after he retired from being a player."

Mr Fowler, who was born in Sunderland, served in the British Army's 1st Light Infantry from 1986 - 1991, including tours of Northern Ireland. There are an estimated 11,000 plus Armed Forces veterans in and around the city.

Former leader of the City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller moved the resolution to confer the freedom on Mr Fowler.

He said he had first met Mr Fowler in 2018 when Veterans in Crisis was established and had since seen its sterling work go from strength to strength.

Cllr Miller said: "The peer-to-peer support offered at VICS means that the Armed Forces Community who access their services know they are talking to people who really do know what they have been through, and are not just paying lip service to their issues. Ger works tirelessly to raise funds for the work he undertakes with the armed forces family."

Mr Ball and Mr Fowler signed the Freemen's Roll and received sealed scrolls.

In their replies to the freedom awards, Mr Ball said he was 'truly honoured, very grateful and humbled'. Mr Fowler said:  "It's the proudest moment of my life. Everybody who knows me knows how much I love Sunderland."