In 2012, Raval joined forces with SportsAid to support promising young North East tennis player Grace Dixon as she pursued her ambitions in professional sport.
The fundraising initiative became part of Raval's longstanding involvement with local charities, community projects and emerging talent across Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider North East.
Supporting a Young North East Athlete
Grace, from Whickham in Gateshead, was just 16 at the time and had already been ranked as high as 13th in Europe.
Her ambition was to progress through professional tennis and ultimately compete at the highest level of international sport.
Developing as a young athlete involved considerable commitment, training and financial support, and SportsAid was helping Grace as she worked towards the next stage of her sporting career.
Raval's diners joined that effort.
Raval Diners Raise £500
During the London 2012 Olympic period, Raval worked with SportsAid on a fundraising campaign that raised £500 for Grace.
Rather than simply marking the occasion with a cheque presentation, Raval turned it into a celebration of young North East talent.
Grace was joined by carnival performer Kye Harris from South Shields-based community theatre organisation The Creative Seed, creating the memorable photograph preserved with this article.
At the time, Grace spoke about the dedication required to pursue her sporting ambitions while also completing her education.
The support represented something important: local people and organisations getting behind a talented young athlete at a crucial stage in her development.
Part of Raval's North East Story
Raval opened beside the Tyne Bridge in 2007, and its relationship with the surrounding community has always extended beyond the restaurant itself.
Over the years, Raval has been involved in charitable initiatives and community events while welcoming guests from Newcastle, Gateshead and throughout the North East.
The campaign for Grace came during an especially memorable sporting summer for the region, with Newcastle hosting Olympic football matches at St James' Park as part of London 2012.
Raval also welcomed international Olympic footballers during the Games, making the summer of 2012 an interesting chapter in the restaurant's own archive.
Looking Back at a Memorable 2012 Campaign
More than a decade later, this story remains a record of a particular moment in Raval's history — when diners, the restaurant and SportsAid came together to support a promising young athlete from the local area.
Today, Raval continues its own journey beside the Tyne Bridge, welcoming diners for regional and coastal Indian cuisine just minutes from Newcastle city centre.
The photograph and story remain in Raval's archive as a reminder of the people, events and communities that have formed part of the restaurant's story since opening in 2007.
Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar — award-winning Indian dining beside the Tyne Bridge, minutes from Newcastle city centre.
