Shearer kicks off £1 million fundraising drive

A Newcastle-based disability charity is launching its biggest ever fundraising appeal to expand vital facilities as demand for specialist support continues to rise.

The Alan Shearer Foundation has unveiled its £1 million ‘Million Pound Mission’ to fund a second hydrotherapy pool at the Alan Shearer Centre, which supports children and adults with complex disabilities.

Founded following Alan Shearer’s testimonial match against Celtic in 2006, the Centre has grown into a critical regional service, now supporting around 10,000 members. 

However, increasing demand is placing pressure on existing facilities, particularly the hydrotherapy pool, which is essential for many users with physical and neurological conditions.

As part of the ‘Raise Your Hand To Help’ initiative, inspired by Shearer’s famous goal celebration, the Foundation is encouraging individuals, communities and businesses to support the campaign through fundraising, partnerships and donations.

The new appeal, which launches on April 17, the date of Alan’s final appearance in a Newcastle shirt, when he scored his 206th goal for his boyhood club from the penalty spot in a 4–1 win against rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, aims to increase capacity, reduce waiting times and ensure more families can access life-changing support.

It also marks the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, during which more than £7 million has been raised to keep services free of charge.

Former Newcastle and England captain Alan said: “Twenty years ago, we started something that has changed thousands of lives. 

“But demand is growing fast, and standing still isn’t an option.

“If more families need us, then we have to step up again. 

“This mission is about building for the next twenty years, and I’m asking people to ‘raise your hand’ and be part of that.

“I’m a proud dad, and I know how lucky I’ve been. 

“When I walk into the Centre and see the strength of those families, it reminds me why this matters. 

“It’s about giving every child the chance to thrive, whatever their circumstances.” 

Matt Bowmaker, director at the Alan Shearer Foundation, added: “We’ve reached more families than ever before, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. 

“But it’s also made one thing clear, demand isn’t slowing down.”

“If we want the Centre to keep pace, we have to think bigger. 

“The Million Pound Mission is about backing that growth properly, building the facilities families need, and inviting businesses and communities to play a real part in making it happen.”

Operated by St Cuthbert’s Care, the Centre remains the only charity-run facility in the region offering this level of specialist support at no cost, with the latest campaign set to secure its future and meet growing demand across the North East.

Nic Gilbert, chief executive at St Cuthbert’s Care, added: “The number of families coming through our doors has grown significantly, and with that comes increased pressure on our facilities, particularly the hydrotherapy pool. 

“For many of our members, those sessions are not a luxury, but essential to their physical health and overall wellbeing.”

“A second pool would transform what we’re able to offer. 

“It would reduce waiting times, increase consistency of therapy and reassure families that the support they depend on will be there when they need it.”

Individuals and businesses can find out more about supporting the Million Pound Mission on the Alan Shearer Foundation website, here.

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