The appeal aims to raise £1.2m through The Percy Hedley Foundation, to build a hydrotherapy pool at the North-East special school for children with Cerebral Palsy.

The Percy Hedley Foundation hopes to have the The Tim Carter Hydroptherapy Pool open for use within two years.

The charity was close to Tim and his wife Gina whose son Jensen, 4, attends the Percy Hedley School.

SAFC chairman Niall Quinn said at the launch: "Tim was a fantastic servant to Sunderland Football Club and more importantly a wonderful, gentle man who is missed by all of us every day.

"We are delighted to be able to give our backing to this appeal which will provide both a much-needed facility for the North-East region and a lasting memory of a special person."

Gina Carter added: "My husband was overwhelmed and humbled by the determination and achievements of the children and adults at Percy Hedley School.

"The Percy Hedley School was close to his heart as our son Jensen has Cerebral Palsy and is a pupil at the school.

"The hydrotherapy pool that will be built in Tim's name will make a huge difference to the children and adults at the school."

Donating to the appeal is easy. Anyone wishing to support the fundraising can do so online Click here

Or text the word Percy to 82540 to make a £1 donation or text Hedley to 82540 to make a £5 donation.