Shearer and Mayor combine to urge people to 'Move a Mile'
Former Newcastle United and England captain Alan Shearer today launched ‘Move a Mile’ - a new fundraising challenge calling on people in the North East to help more people with complex disabilities get vital therapy.
Alan was joined by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness at the Alan Shearer Centre in West Denton to officially launch the challenge - which forms the latest phase of the Alan Shearer Foundation’s 'Million Pound Mission' appeal.
The pair completed the first official mile together before the Mayor toured the centre facilities and met with members and their families to see why the campaign to build a second hydrotherapy pool is so critical.
The ‘Move a Mile’ fundraising challenge asks participants to walk, run, cycle or move one mile any way they can - make a donation, and nominate others to take on the challenge next.
The Foundation hopes people will collectively complete 52,719 miles – one for every seat inside St James' Park – with schools, businesses, sports clubs and community groups already planning to get involved.
The challenge aims to support the Million Pound Mission's goal of raising £1m for a second hydrotherapy pool at the centre.
More than 10,000 members and their families now rely on the Alan Shearer Centre – but demand has grown significantly, meaning that the its existing pool can no longer keep pace, leaving families competing for limited therapy time.
Alan said: "It was great to welcome Kim to the centre and show her first-hand the work that happens here.
"We're incredibly proud of how far we've come, but there is still much more to do.
"Demand for the Centre continues to grow, which is why we're raising £1m to build a second hydrotherapy pool.
"Move a Mile is something everyone can get involved in, however they choose to, and every mile completed and every donation made will help more families get the support they need.”
The Mayor said: "Growing up in the North East, I spent years watching Alan score goals and inspire football fans across the region, so it's fantastic to now be working alongside him to encourage people to get moving for such an important cause.
"Football rivalries run deep in our region - and that's part of what makes the North East so special – but whether you wear black and white, red and white, or support another team entirely, this is something we can all come together and get behind.”
To take part, nominate a friend, or make a donation, go to https://www.alanshearerfoundation.org.uk/the-million-pound-mission/move-a-mile/