News Beat
Sir Graham Wylie Foundation supporting North East children
The Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, founded by the Sage entrepreneur in 2016, marks a decade of helping young people with education, inspiration and opportunity across the region.
Over the past 10 years, the foundation has funded three major long-term projects and is now preparing to launch a fourth, alongside a series of fundraising events to mark the milestone.
Sir Graham, who covers all operating costs personally, ensures every penny raised goes directly to good causes.
He said: “When I look back over the past decade what we have achieved has been quite remarkable, and none of it would have happened without a great deal of support from individuals and businesses, from the North East and further afield.
“But this is just the start.
“Along with these four ongoing projects, we will continue to donate money to numerous other projects around the region.
“And we will continue to seek support from those who are as passionate about educating and inspiring young people as we are.”
One of the foundation’s flagship projects is the Nordoff Robbins Music Centre in Jesmond, a music therapy centre for children that was officially opened by Sting.
It also supports the Children’s Heart Unit (CHUF) by providing some of the most up to date, state of the art, medical equipment.
At NUCASTLE, the charity has helped fund a dedicated classroom within the Newcastle United Foundation Community Hub.
To date, 753 sessions have been delivered in the space, covering everything from employability to health and wellbeing.
The foundation’s newest project will be unveiled later this month.
It has funded the cost of refurbishing the entire second floor of Tyneside Cinema, creating the Tyneside Talent Unit.
The Foundation will provide a free-to-access creative hub, offering industry-standard facilities and mentoring to young people aspiring to careers in film, television and screen industries.
To celebrate its 10th birthday, the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation is organising 10 fundraising events throughout 2026.
These include a magic cabaret with Chris Cross on February 13, a ‘Rock and Raise A Glass’ wine tasting on March 6, the annual celebrity golf day on May 19, and a gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel on November 28.
More information about the foundation’s work and upcoming events can be found at sirgrahamwyliefoundation.org.uk.
