Sunderland students nominate city’s unsung heroes for statue honours
Written by Hannah Rooney on 9th October 2025
Statues along the riverside in Sunderland representing the everyday folk who have made the city tick down the years – which is who Sunderland University students feel deserve to be honoured.
Sunderland students have revealed the unsung heroes they believe are deserving of a statue in the city.
After the Sunderland Echo asked ChatGPT to suggest 15 Sunderland people deserving of a statue, Spark has explored the public’s thoughts about who they feel deserves recognition.
The AI-generated list featured several famous names, including footballers Jordan Henderson and Jill Scott, author Terry Deary (‘Horrible Histories’), actor James Bolam and comedian Bobby Thompson.
But who did the students at Sunderland University’s campus suggest?
Nat, a film and media student, nominated radio presenter Lauren Laverne, believing she deserves her credit as a “Mackem icon”.
Of the 15 names generated by AI, only four were women – Lioness Jill Scott, singer (and former university chancellor) Emeli Sandé, actor Melanie Hill and Washington-born historical figure Gertrude Bell, who pioneered as a woman in international politics, philosophy and archaeology (counting famous historical figures like Winston Churchill and Lawrence of Arabia among her friends).
Sports’ stars continued to prove popular between both AI and those on campus. Josiah, a sports journalism student, suggested Régis Le Bris, head coach of Sunderland AFC.
Josiah also recommended his own friend Joseph, for being “a good, helpful pal” and always “fun to talk to” – one of several people who recognised the everyday individuals who make a difference.
Phoenix, a film studies student from Stanley, thought Steve Cannon, a senior lecturer in film studies at the University, was deserving of a statue. His promotion of community was recognised, as Phoenix said: “He runs the CineClub, which happens every week.” Steve was described as “awesome”.
The most common response was the call to continue recognising the regular, working people shaping Sunderland.
