The Alan Shearer Centre in the West End of Newcastle now has more than 10,000 members and needs a second hydrotherapy pool
Alan Shearer stands outside the Alan Shearer Centre in West Denton, Newcastle
Alan Shearer at the Alan Shearer Centre in West Denton, Newcastle
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Former England and Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer is kicking off a £1m fundraising drive to help create a second hydrotherapy pool at The Alan Shearer Centre in Newcastle.
Since opening its doors in May 2007, The Alan Shearer Centre in West Denton, Newcastle, has been supporting families from across the North East, giving members access to a range of facilities free of charge. Its activity centre now provides a safe and inclusive environment for thousands members with diverse abilities and needs, through its sensory rooms, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor spaces and music and relaxation therapy sessions.
Over the last 20 years more than £7m has been raised by the Alan Shearer Foundation to keep the centre open – a commitment that has now lasted longer than Alan’s 18-year professional football career. Now, as soaring demand for its services takes member numbers over 10,000 members, The Million Pound Mission appeal has been launched. It marks the largest-ever fundraising campaign in the two decade history of The Alan Shearer Foundation (ASF).
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 get involved in a range of ways, such as fundraising, partnerships and donations. They can back the appeal by organising fundraising activities, sponsored challenges, supporting the Foundation’s events, making donations or partnering with the charity through corporate initiatives and workplace fundraising.
The £1m drive will fund the construction of a second hydrotherapy pool to increase capacity, reduce waiting times and ensure more families can receive the specialist care they need. The campaign officially launches on Friday April 17, a date chosen to mark a defining moment in Alan Shearer’s career - his final professional goal, scored in a 4–1 Tyne-Wear derby victory for Newcastle United over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in 2006.
Alan with the team at the Alan Shearer Centre
Alan with the team at the Alan Shearer Centre(Image: Alan Shearer Foundation)
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The BBC presenter and philanthropist 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.”
The campaign comes at a critical moment, with the scale of need rising faster than the centre’s capacity, particularly for the hydrotherapy pool. Sessions in the pool are said to be essential for those with physical and neurological conditions, but as numbers continue to grow families struggle to secure regular access.
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.”
The centre is operated by regional charity St Cuthbert’s Care, which works closely with the foundation to ensure its facilities remain free and accessible.
Nic Gilbert, chief executive at St Cuthbert’s Care, said: “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.”
Details on how individuals and businesses can get involved in the Million Pound Mission are available on [the Alan Shearer Foundation website.](http:// https://www.alanshearerfoundation.org.uk/the-million-pound-mission/)
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