England and Newcastle United football legend and regular BBC football pundit Alan Shearer is celebrating one of the biggest wins of his illustrious career after hitting an historic fundraising milestone in his hometown.
Latest figures reveal Alan and his team have raised £7m for people with profound disabilities and acute sensory impairments at the Newcastle-based Alan Shearer Centre.
But the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer has set his sights on a new goal after pledging to tackle a fresh fundraising challenge.
And almost 20 years after retiring from football, and donating his testimonial proceeds to charity, the proud Geordie insists he’s only just getting started.
Shearer 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. But it’s become clear during the last few years and months that we need to increase our annual fundraising targets.
“Over the years we’ve received some amazing and incredibly generous support and donations from local people, businesses and celebrities through my charity ball, annual golf day and other fundraising initiatives.
“Every day I meet people who are truly passionate about raising awareness and tackling the stigma that can be attached to those suffering from profound disabilities. They’re choosing to help families who face significant challenges.
“I can’t put into words just how much that support means to me and everyone involved with the centre. I will do anything I can to help.
“There’s still loads to do and I’m looking forward to getting behind the next wave of fundraising. I want to do whatever I can to make sure that the centre not only survives but thrives for years to come.”
The Alan Shearer Centre, operated and managed by regional charity St. Cuthbert’s Care, is a unique facility supporting families from across the North East.
The Alan Shearer Foundation (ASF) was set up in 2012 to further support the activity centre and now plays a fundamental role in ensuring that more than 5,000 members have access to a full range of facilities free of charge.
But in the face of rising operational costs it has become increasingly clear that a minimum of £320,000 per year is required to maintain the centre’s core services and unrivalled level of care.
“I founded the Alan Shearer Foundation to make a real difference to the lives of people with a wide range of abilities and complex needs,” added the Match of the Day pundit.
“To keep the activity centre free for our members, we now need to raise an additional £70,000 every year.
“The funds raised enable our members and their families to access life-enhancing therapies like hydrotherapy and sensory play without increased strain on family finances.
“Every donation, fundraising event and contribution — however big or small — helps us to maintain and grow these vital facilities and ensures that people get the care and experiences they deserve.
“We need to do more if we are to help and support families who require specialist care facilities.”
His name might be above the door but Alan’s hands-on, long-term involvement is about more than just a legacy: it’s about setting an example.
He hopes that example will inspire the next generation to get behind the Herculean fundraising efforts that keep the Alan Shearer Centre running — all without a penny of statutory funding.
The St James’s Park favourite has always led from the front, as a relentless centre forward and an unwavering charity supporter, but the face of the Alan Shearer Foundation accepts additional help has never been needed more.
“Legacy means showing up, not just lending your name to something and that’s what this centre has always been about,” he added.
“Giving your help and time can be so rewarding and to see happy, smiley faces and see the appreciation and how grateful people are for your support is an incredible and humbling feeling.”
Nic Gilbert, chief executive, 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.”
