Veteran striker Niall Quinn is today at least three-quarters of the way towards the magical £1 million charity target after more than 35,000 fans attended his testimonial match.
The Republic of Ireland and Sunderland forward pledged to donate the entire proceeds of the match between his club side and national side to help fund two hospital children's departments.
The 35-year-old father-of-two, now living in County Durham, aims to raise for £500,000 Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Curmlin and a matching amount for Sunderland Royal Infirmary.
Other cash has been earmarked for a children's programme in India which helps impoverished children in urban districts of Calcutta.
Last night's match at Sunderland's Stadium of Light was the first benefit game in which the entire proceeds have been given to good causes and prior to kick-off the Republic of Ireland’s leading scorer received a goodwill fax from British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Quinn, who played 20 minutes for each team, saw his club side go down 3-0 and said after the game it would be "night he would never forget".
It is estimated the gate receipts totalled around £700,000 and an innovative "non-attendance" ticket scheme is expected to push it towards the million mark.
Over recent months people were urged to buy "non-attendance" tickets for £10 for which they will receive a commemorative ticket and match programme with their money going into the kitty.
Sunderland Football Club today said it would be weeks before a final figure could be announced as the non-attendance ticket scheme was running for another week.
PA