Scoring a hit with Shearer
Oct 10 2007 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
NEWCASTLE hero Alan Shearer yesterday returned to a disability centre which came about thanks to a generous donation from his testimonial fund.
The Alan Shearer Centre, which offers a lifeline for disabled people and their families, opened five months ago.
The former captain of Newcastle and England returned yesterday to open the residential wing – part of the £1.7m building for St Cuthbert’s Care in West Denton, Newcastle, a year after his testimonial match made it possible.
Yesterday, he admitted being “flabbergasted” at the modern facilities, which include a cinema, internet cafe and hydrotherapy pool.
“When I was deciding to give a lot of the money away to charities, this is why I chose this – because it’s a very, very special centre,” he said.
“It’s everything that everyone coming here would want it to be, not only the children but the adults as well.
“I’m flabbergasted at how it’s turned out.”
Shearer was given a tour of the centre and also opened a new short-break residential service consisting of eight bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
The rooms are suitable for both adults and children, and the latest access technology has been installed to provide guests with a greater sense of independence.
Shearer added: “I’m delighted to have my name attached to it – and that’s not something I do lightly.
“I’m honoured at the way it’s all come out. I’m sure that a lot of people will get tremendous use out of it.”
Meanwhile, chief executive Austin Donohoe said: “The residential care facility makes the Alan Shearer Centre complete. We can now offer an unrivalled opportunity to disabled children and adults and their families.
“The quality of experience and care available here is second to none and it is very humbling to have seen the dramatic difference we have helped make in so many people’s lives in such a short time.”
