12 June 2026
“If people can get behind me, donate, and cheer me on, we can do something much bigger than just getting me across a finish line"
University of Sunderland honorary graduate Jill Scott MBE has completed her 388-mile journey to her hometown to raise money for Sport Relief.
The sports commentator and former Lioness, who received her honorary fellowship in 2018 at the Stadium of Light, has returned to the same place to finish her Coming Home Challenge today (12 June).
Staff and students from the University joined others from across the city to see Jill finish her challenge at the Stadium.
Jill said: “This challenge means so much to me because my journey started long before my days at Wembley. It started with people believing in me, supporting me and giving me opportunities when I needed them most.
“One thing football taught me is that you never get through difficult moments alone. When things get tough, it’s the people around you who carry you through, and that’s exactly what this challenge is about.
“If people can get behind me, donate, and cheer me on, we can do something much bigger than just getting me across a finish line. My dodgy knees and niggly injuries are nothing compared to what so many people are going through right now. Together with Sport Relief, we can help people through the toughest times - and show everyone that no matter how hard things get, no one has to face it alone.”
Over the last 5 days, Jill has run and cycled from London’s Wembley Stadium to where it all started in Sunderland via the stand-our stadiums of her professional career. The route has taken her through Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester and then to the north-east to finish her journey.
Jill took on the challenge to raise money for Sports for Change projects that bring communities together through sport.
You can donate to Jill’s Coming Home Challenge here.