Alan Shearer has raised an incredible £7m for the charity in his name – and says his work there feels better than scoring for England. The Premier League all-time top scorer spoke of his pride in the huge army of donors who have supported him. Almost 20 years after retiring from football, the proud Geordie now has to raise more than ever before.
In 2006, the Mirror told how Shearer was giving all the money raised from his testimonial to charity. He has worked ever since to cover the costs of the Alan Shearer Centre for people with profound disabilities. “I was extremely lucky in my career. When I come to this place, I realise how special it is,” he said today. “Scoring for England, being captain, winning the Premier League, this place beats all of that.
“We are giving back something that means so much to so many people.” He added: “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. 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. 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.”
More than 5,000 have access to a full range of facilities free of charge at the centre in Newcastle. Dad-of-three Alan, 54, must now help to raise £320,000 per year to maintain the centre’s core services, up from £250,000 a year.
The funds give people access to life-enhancing therapies like hydrotherapy and sensory play without increased strain on family finances. Natalie Robinson said the centre had helped her daughter Margot’s physical and cognitive development. “It’s just been amazing, we come every week,” she said. “It is just a fab place to come and feel safe. I feel like I can just take a step back and she can just explore.”
Shearer, awarded the CBE in 2016 for his charity work, opened the centre with the help of TV stars Ant and Dec, and continues to ‘lean on a lot of people’ to raise funds. “I’ve got a phone book that’s got a lot of contacts in there,” he added. “Yes, my name might be above it, a great team help run it. It’s a unique place.”
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 Alan.
“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.”
Nic Gilbert, Chief Executive, St Cuthbert’s Care, said: “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 a long way to developing 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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