Shearer nets £7 million charity goal

A support centre for people with complex disabilities and acute sensory impairments is celebrating a major fundraising milestone, thanks to renewed backing from one of the Newcastle’s favourite sons.

The Alan Shearer Centre, operated by regional charity St. Cuthbert’s Care, has now benefited from £7 million in donations thanks to the efforts of the Alan Shearer Foundation.

Founded in 2012, the foundation, at West Denton Close, in Newcastle, helps ensure more than 5000 members can access the centre’s services free of charge. 

With rising costs, at least £320,000 is now needed annually to maintain its operations.

Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer, who donated his testimonial earnings to charity nearly 20 years ago, remains at the heart of the foundation’s work.

Alan, the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer, said: “When I finished playing in 2006, a good friend asked if I would consider supporting a new activity centre for people with complex disabilities. 

“The moment I saw the vision and plans for the facility — and realised the life changing impact it could have and the difference it could make to people’s lives — I was all in. 

“I committed the money there and then. 

“At that time I was a brand ambassador for the NSPCC and I was already supporting other charities close to my heart. 

“It really hit home to me just how fortunate I’d been to play professional football for a career and to live my boyhood dream.

“It just felt right for me to be giving back to help other people and good causes. 

“I’ve been hooked ever since and I’m fully committed to raising as much money as I possibly can, for as long as I can, to sustain the fantastic work that takes place every day at the activity centre.

“I pledged to raise a minimum of £250,000 per year and I suppose the rest is history.

“Legacy means showing up, not just lending your name to something and that’s what this centre has always been about.”

The centre, a lifeline for families across the North East, receives no statutory funding and Shearer is now calling for a fresh fundraising push to ensure its vital services continue.

Alan added: “It’s become clear during the last few years and months that we need to increase our annual fundraising targets.

“To keep the activity centre free for our members, we now need to raise an additional £70,000 every year. 

“We need to do more if we are to help and support families who require specialist care facilities.”

Nic Gilbert, chief executive at St. Cuthbert’s Care, added: “To reach the £7 million mark is an incredible achievement and a major milestone for us.

“Alan has unselfishly devoted his time to the activity centre since day one and we are incredibly lucky to have such a high-profile figure to support our fundraising endeavours.

“The money raised over the years has gone such a long way to developing the centre and the facilities we provide free of charge. 

“It’s enabled us to invest in doubling the size of the hydrotherapy pool and to expand the playground to include learning activities as well as a space to have fun.”

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