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Looking back over the years, what would be the greatest birthday present you have ever received?

Stuart Collinson, although now living in Edinburgh, is still red and white through and through and has been for many years.

Stuart with his birthday card in 1973

His 15th birthday was very special for Colin, but he did not spend it in Sunderland or Edinburgh.

He actually spent it at Wembley Stadium cheering on the Black Cats in the prestigious FA Cup final.

"It was my 15th birthday on 5 May 1973 and it was my best birthday present ever!

"I had my photo taken with my large red and white Sunderland birthday card which I still have," says Stuart.

They did not see it coming

In 1973 Stuart made the 270-mile journey down south to the old Wembley Twin Towers.

Bobby Kerr lifts the FA cup

Sunderland went into the coveted FA Cup final as the underdogs and surprised many by overcoming opponents such as Manchester City and Arsenal among others to get there.

Stuart recalls: "A lot of the Sunderland replays were not filmed as it was thought they'd be knocked out."

Stuart also remembers the moment that the second division side broke the dead-lock against top-flight side Leeds United.

He said: "When Porterfield struck the ball in the net it felt as though time and the world stood still for a split second and then sheer and absolute joy.

"As it was my birthday, it made it very special indeed," says Stuart.

Stuart's birthday card

15 to 50

Stuart turns 50 this year and 35 years on still treasures his memories. He has kept the card that made especially for him by his mother which reminds him of that great day.

"I remember the whole town being united. One commentator said 'they're even smiling in the dole queues'!" says Stuart.

Celebrations in the family did not stop after the sun had set around Wembley Stadium.

He said: "Sunderland brought the cup home on my brother's birthday on 8 May, 1973."