Charities

Wembley Boss Donates FA Cup Final Tickets to Cancer Charity

Good News Post

May 7, 2026 — 3 min read

Wembley Stadium - credit Marisa via pexels

By Charities Correspondent

A senior figure at Wembley Stadium is helping a North East cancer charity raise funds by offering fans the chance to experience one of football’s biggest days live.

Paul Smyth, the stadium’s General Manager, has donated two pairs of tickets to the 2026 FA Cup Final, along with overnight hotel stays. The prize is being raffled in support of Team Solan, a Spennymoor-based charity that helps people and families dealing with cancer.

For £10, supporters can enter a draw to win a pair of tickets to the final at Wembley and a hotel stay.

There are two prizes available, meaning two winners will get the chance to attend the match in person.

The draw will be streamed live on Team Solan’s Facebook page on 1 May at 11am, and entrants can buy multiple tickets if they want to boost their chances.

Team Solan has built a strong reputation across the North East for the practical and emotional support it offers, from financial help to community initiatives that make day-to-day life a little easier during treatment.

Although Paul now lives in London, he grew up in Spennymoor and has a long-standing connection to the charity. He has known its founder, Mark Solan, since childhood and has seen up close the difference the organisation makes. Personal experiences with cancer in his own family also played a part in his decision to get involved.

After reconnecting with Mark during a visit to Wembley last year, Paul decided to contribute something meaningful to support the charity’s work.

He said the North East still feels like home and described Team Solan as a cause that matters deeply to many families in the region. He hopes the ticket donation will help raise vital funds and awareness.

Mark Solan said the gesture would make a real difference, both by giving two people a memorable day at Wembley and by helping the charity continue supporting families when they need it most. He added that the community response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

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