Two leading figures are set to be nominated for the prestigious Freedom of Sunderland.
The honour, awarded by the City Council, recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the city’s wellbeing and community spirit.
The nominations are Sister Mary Scholastica, who is renowned for her work supporting the community and seafarers at the Port of Sunderland, and businessman Paul Callaghan CBE DL FRSA for his many contributions to not only business but also education and culture. The nominations also both recognise their work as ambassadors for the city and as role models for young people.
At its meeting next week on Thursday 18 September, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet will consider recommending the nominations to a full council meeting for agreement. Subject to the meetings, further arrangements on a Freedom ceremony will be announced.
Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, Councillor Kelly Chequer said:
“Residents across our city have a lot of respect for Sister Mary and Paul Callaghan. These proposals are part of a process that will formally recognise their achievements and contributions to our city.
“Since travelling from Ireland in 1958 and making Sunderland her home, her tireless charitable work has seen Sister Mary provide invaluable support to countless communities and residents as well as seafarers visiting the Port of Sunderland.”
Her welcoming mission centre at the port offers food, warmth, and pastoral care to sailors of all faiths and her work has earned her deep respect across religious and civic communities. Alongside her port work, Sister Mary has helped raise thousands of pounds for children needing respite care.
Cllr Chequer added:
“Businessman and philanthropist Paul Callaghan has for many years played a significant role in the city’s economic, educational and cultural offer. Prominent roles have included founder and chairman of the Leighton Group, chair of the University of Sunderland, and his dedicated work to create the city’s Music, Arts and Culture Quarter and Sunderland Culture, including the development of the Fire Station as a landmark live music and performing arts venue.”
The cabinet report is here: 05-00 Honorary Freedom of the City.pdf
The council has a tradition of nominating residents, groups and organisations for freedoms.
Last year, Sunderland AFC ‘legend’ Kevin Ball and Ger Fowler, who works with armed forces veterans and their families, received freedoms.
In 2023, footballing champions Jill Scott and Steph Houghton, and Gary Bennett were recognised.
In 2022, the Sunderland 1973 FA Cup Squad were granted freedoms for their ongoing achievement and contribution to the city’s well-being.
Other freedoms of Sunderland include the late John Hays, founder of Hays Travel; Nissan’s chief performance officer Trevor Mann; Niall Quinn MBE and Joël Batteux the Mayor of Sunderland’s twin-town St Nazaire.
Television reporter Kate Adie has also been granted Freedom of the City.
4 Regiment Royal Artillery – the ‘North East gunners’, 3 Rifles and the crew of HMS Ocean, which was Sunderland’s adopted warship and the Royal Navy’s largest ship for many years, have also received freedoms.
