Arthur Wharton was born in Jamestown, Ghana and moved to England at the age of 18. He took an interest in sports at college and his achievements led to his first season at Darlington FC in 1883 – the year the football club was formed.

He went on to have a successful sporting career, playing for a number of football teams and becoming a world champion. He was also a record-holding athlete, a cycling champion, a professional cricketer and a rugby player.

Our project will help people understand and appreciate his impact and legacy.

Shaun Campbell, Director of the Arthur Wharton Foundation

The project, led by the Arthur Wharton Foundation, will focus on exploring the latter years of Arthur’s life, and how he came to understand the legacy he would leave behind.

They will take the short film into schools, colleges and community hubs across the north east of England. It will be used as a resource to educate about black heritage, equality and diversity.

Shaun Campbell, Founder of the Arthur Wharton Foundation, said: “We are confident our project, A Light that Never Fades will help people understand and appreciate the impact and legacy that Arthur Wharton left behind.”