Spennymoor businessman and former professional footballer Paul Connor, once a star striker for clubs including Middlesbrough, Stoke City, and Swansea City, has found a new calling off the pitch – one rooted firmly in his hometown and built around community care.
Now at the helm of the Spennymoor Foot Clinic, Paul has combined his medical expertise in podiatry with his passion for giving back, supporting The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust, better known locally as Team Solan, a charity that’s close to his heart and named in part after his late father.
Paul, who was born and raised in Spennymoor, made the leap from top-flight football to healthcare, going on to work with the England national team.
But no matter where his career has taken him, his commitment to his hometown has never wavered.
At the centre of that commitment is his father, Billy Connor, a much-loved local figure and proud Newcastle United supporter who passed away from cancer a decade ago.
In his honour, Paul has worked closely with Spennymoor-based Team Solan, a charity that supports people across the North East affected by cancer or cancer bereavement.
Paul explains: “Football gave me an incredible career, but this is one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever been part of.
“My dad was my biggest supporter, both in football and in life.
“He was always there for me, giving me advice and encouragement, and now I want to do the same for others in his memory.
“He would be so proud to see how much Team Solan has grown.”
As well as raising money through charity football matches and community events, Paul has now made his business a key part of the mission.
Spennymoor Foot Clinic donates a portion of profits during key times of the year to the charity and also offers free foot care services to Team Solan’s ‘Warriors’, anyone going through cancer or affected by bereavement.
From easing pain and discomfort to providing relaxing treatments, Paul’s clinic plays a hands-on role in the charity’s holistic approach to care.
His sister is also a volunteer with the charity, making it a true family effort.
Team Solan founder Mark Solan, a close friend of the Connor family, said: “Billy was an incredible man, and it’s an honour to have his name as part of our charity.
“Paul has brought the same drive and commitment he had in football to his business and to supporting us. His involvement has helped us reach even more people who need us.”
It was Billy’s own generosity that helped inspire the formation of the charity.
At his funeral, donations were made to Mark’s JustGiving page for Cancer Research UK, just as Mark was preparing for a white-collar boxing match to raise funds.
Shortly after, Mark launched Team Solan, naming the charity in honour of Billy and other loved ones who had passed away.
Team Solan’s growth has allowed it to continue to provide emotional, practical, and therapeutic support for children and adults across the North East who are dealing with cancer or grief.
Services include counselling, holistic treatments, support groups, and emergency assistance.
To learn more about the work of Team Solan, or to get involved, visit www.teamsolan.org.uk.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
