Julie Elliott MP Standing up for Sunderland Central
I am absolutely delighted that the campaign for a blue plaque to honour Sunderland hero Joseph Hodgson has proved successful.
Joseph risked his life dozens of times to save others over a period of more than 50 years, yet there was very little in the city to mark his heroism. He deserved to be remembered.
Scores of men, women and children owed their lives to the bravery of Joseph -; and I’m sure many descendants of those whom he rescued still live here in Sunderland today.
The blue plaque will help to ensure that Joseph’s bravery is remembered both now, and by future generations.
It is also particularly appropriate that the plaque is to be erected in time for the Tall Ships arrival in Sunderland -; for Joseph was a man who dedicated his life to keeping people safe from the seas.