Beacon of Light proudly hosted a welcome for Peter Stewart, a primary school head teacher from Manchester who is walking over 1,000 miles between all 20 Premier League stadiums to make a difference for school communities.
Peter’s challenge is raising funds to support his school to build safe, inclusive spaces, and improve opportunities through sport, enrichment, and community connection, while also sending a clear message about the challenges schools are facing with limited resources.
As the campaign grows, Peter hopes to spread this support to other schools and communities across the country.
Upon arrival in Sunderland, Peter was greeted by children taking part in Foundation of Light’s holiday courses at the Beacon of Light, who wished him good luck for the rest of his journey.
Peter took a tour of the Beacon, learning about how the Foundation of Light supports children, schools, and communities through programmes like Premier League Primary Stars, before heading to the Stadium of Light to tick off stop number eight with a pitch-side photo and tour.
“My challenge is to walk every Premier League stadium in my school holidays because I’m a head teacher,” he explained.
“I’m doing it because I believe that head teachers should step up for their communities, and my community in Manchester is in need of people to inspire the kids and to raise money to create more community spaces.
“I thought I’d go around the country, learn from different community centres and community foundations to try and inspire my kids when I get home.”
On his welcome at the Beacon of Light, Peter added: “Honestly, it was the best welcome I’ve ever had.
“Especially coming up to the North East, you don’t see people for ages, so when I got here and to see the kids, it just reminds you what it’s about.
“I think the biggest thing I’m learning from this is it’s all about partnerships, and seeing the Foundation of Light, they’ve got partners on board. It’s not just people working in silos to improve the communities, it’s a joint effort.”
To find out more about Peter’s challenge, check out his Instagram, Head up North: Click Here
Or to donate to his fundraiser: Click Here
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