A journalist will take the plunge from the top of a football stadium in memory of two former regional newspaper colleagues.

Kevin Clark, business writer at the Sunderland Echo, will jump from the city’s Stadium of Light and slide across the River Wear on a zip wire that is 45 metres high and 250 metres long.

He decided to take part in the charity challenge called Zip Wear following the recent deaths of two much-missed colleagues and friends at the newspaper.

Sunderland fan Ian Laws, digital editor at the Echo, died on 26 January after collapsing at home, and reporter Trevor Hoyland died in December following a battle with lung cancer.

Kevin will be taking part in the sponsored zip wire challenge in April to raise funds for two local charities – the SAFC Foundation, the registered charity of Sunderland Football Club, and St Benedict’s Hospice.

Said Kevin: “The Foundation was the charity Ian’s family chose for donations after his death, while Trevor spent some time in St Benedict’s during his illness, so I can think of no more fitting tribute to them both.

Ian Laws with children James and Millie

He added: “I know times are tough and everyone is feeling the pinch, but I hope everyone who knew Trev or Lawsy will find it in their hearts to donate whatever they can spare.”

Anyone who wants to help Kevin reach his target of £500 can log onto http://www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Clark3

The SAFC Foundation works with 30,000 young people every year in raising educational standards, promoting inclusion and well-being, encouraging life-long learning and supporting football development.