Sam Fender ‘honoured’ to become patron of North East Homeless charity

Sam Fender has spoken of his honour at becoming a patron for charity North East Homeless.

The North Shields star was announced as the charity's patron on Thursday, just days before he returns to Tyneside to play two sold-out shows at the Utilita Arena.

North East Homeless are based in North Shields, the town where Fender was born and bred.

The 'Seventeen Going Under' singer frequently returns home and is a much-loved figure across the North East thanks to his outspoken Geordie pride.

North East Homeless provides support to the vulnerable and homeless people in the region.

That help includes training, support and employment for those needing to find a source of income.

Fender has provided much support to the charity over the years, recently shouting them out on stage as he collected his Brit Award earlier this year.

Brian Burridge, who set up the charity with his wife Emma, said: “Even though he’s now an internationally recognised artist, Sam has always kept his strong connections with the area.

“It started during lockdown when he couldn’t tour so he used to pop in here all the time, sometimes just sitting and playing the piano.

“We’ve always been a bit of a safe space for him and he just always pops in when he can.

“We are absolutely delighted that he’s agreed to be our patron.”

Sharing the news on his Instagram page, Fender posted an image of himself at the bank.

He wrote: "Absolutely honoured to become a patron for North East Homeless, the work that Brian and the team do to help the most vulnerable in our community is incredible, I’ve met some real friends for life through this and I can’t wait to see what the future brings! Big love guys!"