Vertu drives support for The Fans Museum

A North East automotive retailer is expanding its charitable support to help drive the growth of a Sunderland-based community organisation.

Vertu has increased its support for Sunderland-based The Fans Museum as it prepares to open a second site in Durham.

The museum, founded by Michael Ganley, houses an extensive collection of football memorabilia and uses the sport to engage communities and promote wellbeing.

A vehicle – a Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer – donated by Vertu in 2020 has enabled the team to take its collection into schools, care homes and community settings, helping to reduce isolation and support mental health.

The organisation also delivers dedicated mental health and autism hubs, alongside inclusive football activities.

Plans for a new hub at Prince Bishops Place in Durham form part of its ongoing expansion, alongside a new initiative to distribute memory boxes designed to support older people, including those living with dementia.

Michael 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.”

Vertu has supported the latest phase by funding upgrades to the Mercedes and contributing towards the running costs of the new site.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors plc, added: “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.”

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