willie,

I looked at the unv's website, and googled sunderland..looked at the things to do, etc.. looks pretty good. One of the nice things of UK..is that she can always hop around on a national express bus (I'm still on their marketing list..I can fwd you their deals..) and  visit places. i did that to drop in at Chris's place.. 7 hour trip from London..but so worth it..Most weekends.. I'd give myself 3 hour max travel time from london and visit places around that 3 hour radius. NE is pretty cheap compared to trains.

Think she ought to do it..it will be an experience..and she will have fun.

sent you an email...