SIR BOB MURRAY has handed over a cheque for £100,000 to the Foundation of Light, just three months after his autobiography, ‘I’d Do It All Again' was published.

The former Sunderland chairman is donating 100 per cent of the proceeds from the book to the club's charitable foundation, which he helped establish, and handed over the first cheque ahead of the Black Cats' Championship game with Plymouth Argyle yesterday.

“I have never been happier giving away £100,000 and hope I have to give even more to the Foundation in the coming months," said Murray.

"I’ve been amazed by the generosity of Sunderland supporters and the feedback from all sorts of people since the book was published. Friends joked for years that I should write a book but I never dreamt I’d really do it.

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"It was a harder task than I imagined at the start and took us several years to complete. Going back in time has its up and downs and can be quite emotional. It’s lovely recalling some of the happiest times in your life again, but was harder having to remember and re-live some of the more difficult times and losses in my life. There were times when it definitely had an impact on me and my wife Sue.

"The reason for doing the book was to give something back to people from the North-East. I love the region and am indebted to the people here who’ve played such a major part in my life.

"I’ve been blown away by the response of Sunderland fans and people buying the book. Their kind-hearted response is so typical of their generosity and in doing so they are now supporting other people in the North-East who just need a little help.”

The Foundation of Light was founded by Murray in 2001. It uses the power of football to inspire young people and change lives using a range of pioneering and award-wining sports, health, community and education programmes.

* 'I’d Do It All Again' is available to buy online at www.sirbobmurraybook.com or in-person at the Beacon of Light and SAFC club store.