Auf Wiedersehen, Pet 2024
Phenomenal £87,450 raised for two north east charities!
We’re thrilled to announce an incredible donation of £87,450.03 raised in support of two exceptional Northeast charities: the Sunday for Sammy
Trust and FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together).
This remarkable achievement follows two sell-out charity shows hosted earlier this year to mark the 40th Anniversary of the groundbreaking,
multi-award-winning comedy-drama television series, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. On 11th
May 2024, 4,000 die-hard fans gathered at the O2 City Hall Newcastle to celebrate the
legacy of this beloved series and its iconic bricklayers, while raising vital funds for two
worthy causes.
We’re delighted to present this cheque to our partnered charities, the ‘Sunday for
Sammy Trust’ and ‘FACT’. This milestone was made possible by the tireless dedication
of our co-producers, Jimmy Nail and Ray Laidlaw, whose support throughout 2024 has
been invaluable. A heartfelt thank you to the cast, crew, and everyone who contributed
to this unforgettable celebration - it’s their passion and commitment that brought this
event to life and raised such an astounding amount for these incredible charities.
Founded in 1999 by Tim Healy and Jimmy Nail, the ‘Sunday for Sammy Trust’ supports
talented young people from the Northeast pursuing careers in the performing arts.
Ray Laidlaw, Administrator of the Trust, expressed his gratitude:
“On behalf of the Sunday for Sammy Trust, I’d like to thank everyone involved in the
‘Auf Wiedersehen, Pet at 40’ project. Special thanks go to Jimmy, Andy, and Lee for
their unwavering commitment. This donation will help us continue nurturing the next
generation of creative talent from our region.”
‘FACT’ provides vital non-clinical services, education, and awareness for those affected
by cancer, along with their families and caregivers. Joanne Smith, Founder and CEO of
FACT, shared her excitement:
“This extraordinary achievement means the world to us. As a small but busy charity
that receives no statutory funding, we rely on the generosity of our community. Being
part of the AWP40 event has been a privilege. Huge thanks to everyone involved,
especially our Patron Jimmy Nail, for their time, dedication, and support. This donation
will make a real difference to the people who rely on our services.”
Part 1: This Is Your Life, Pet features iconic cast, crew, and writers - including Tim Healy,
Kevin Whately, Jimmy Nail, Christopher Fairbank, and Timothy Spall - sharing
memories from their time on and off set.
Part 2: Jimmy Nail performs a concert of songs tied to the series, including Auf
Wiedersehen, Pet’s title tracks, credit themes, and songs by Oz’s idol, Merle Haggard.
Tributes to late cast members, including Gary Holton and Pat Roach, are also featured,
with Tim Healy, Kevin Whately, and other special guests joining the performance.
The DVD is available now from the Official Auf Wiedersehen, Pet Fan Site Store at
www.auf.pet, with further proceeds supporting the Sunday for Sammy Trust (Charity
No. 1144531) and FACT (Charity No. 1130258).
A Legacy of Laughter and Giving
The Auf Wiedersehen, Pet at 40 celebration has not only honoured the enduring
legacy of one of Britain’s most cherished TV series but has also brought hope and
support to the local community. Together, fans, cast, and crew have proven the power
of entertainment to inspire and give back - a true Christmas gift for all.
And we couldn’t have done it without you!