Graduations 2025: Red Sky founders honoured for health and life-saving cardiac work

Published on 10, July, 2025

The University of Sunderland has awarded Honorary Doctorates of Health to north-east charity founders and community champions, Sergio and Emma Petrucci MBE, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to heart health and wellbeing across the UK.

Sergio graduated from the University in 1999 with a BA (Hons) in Business and Marketing, while Emma completed her Primary Education teaching degree in 2007. Neither could have imagined how their paths would lead them back to the University in such a significant way.

After their daughter, Luna, underwent life-saving heart surgery in 2015, just before her second birthday, the couple were inspired to launch the Red Sky Foundation to support other families and medical professionals at the Children’s Heart Unit in Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

What began as a way to give thanks soon turned into a mission that has raised over £2.5 million and funded life-saving equipment, cardiac healthcare, training and education.

Through Red Sky Foundation, Sergio and Emma have helped install more than 1,150 defibrillators across the region and the wider UK – including at the University’s St Peter’s and City Campus libraries – reaching city centres, communities, schools and sports clubs.

They have also helped fund vital hospital equipment, including echo cardiogram machines, support grants and specialist equipment paving the way for new technology and innovation used for organ transplantation in both adults and paediatrics heart patients.

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Their work has not gone unnoticed. In 2021 the couple received a Point of Light award from then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. In 2023 they were awarded MBEs by King Charles III, and in 2024, Sergio was named ITV Tyne Tees Pride of Britain Winner.

Speaking about the honorary doctorate, Sergio said: “It’s a full circle moment for us - returning to the University where it all began, not just as alumni but as honorary graduates. This honour isn’t just ours, it belongs to every supporter, volunteer and donor who has walked this journey with us. We’re incredibly grateful.”

Emma added: “The University gave us our foundations and to be recognised in this way is beyond humbling. We’re proud of what Red Sky has achieved, the rapid growth of it has been incredible but there’s still so much more we want to do.”

Dr Yvonne Dixon-Todd, Head of the School of Business, Management and Tourism at the University of Sunderland, praised the pair’s positive impact: "Sergio has a long history with Sunderland Business School, having graduated with a BA (Hons) Business and Marketing degree in 1999.

“The reach of the work Sergio is undertaking with his charity, the Red Sky Foundation, is truly life changing. I’m delighted to see him recognised with Emma in this way. His leadership and determination are to be admired, and he is a real role model and success story for the school."

Sergio and Emma remain dedicated to providing life-long support for babies, children and adults affected by heart disease - saving lives, raising awareness and inspiring others to join them to help save every heartbeat.

The couple‘s roots remain deep in Sunderland where they still live with daughter Luna, who is now 12, and their 15-year-old son Enzo.