A shining tribute for our Tyneside treasures

Feb 7 2009 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal

STARS, family, friends and fans came out in force in the winter sunshine yesterday to applaud bona fide “Tyneside treasures” Tim Healy and Denise Welch.

Dire Straits frontman, Mark Knopfler, singer and TV presenter Jane McDonald, Emmerdale actress Charlie Hardwick, Denise Robertson and footballing legends Sir Bobby Robson and Peter Beardsley were among those at the banqueting suite at Newcastle Civic Centre as the pair received the Variety Club’s Silver Heart.

More than 500 bought tickets for the packed lunchtime shebang.

Recognising the pair’s contribution to the entertainment industry, their role in raising the profile of the North East and their extensive work for the charity, the couple received a standing ovation as they took to the top of the top table.

As well as a three-course meal, raffle and auction – among the lots were a Knopfler-signed Stratocaster which went for £10,000 and a walk-on part on Waterloo Road raised £3,500 – the audience were treated to a raft of live performances.

Billy Mitchell took the role of master of music, and presided over performances by Jane McDonald, Tim and Denise’s son Matthew’s band, Drive Like I Do, the Jamie Squire Band and the couple themselves.

Tim dedicated his heartfelt version of Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, to his wife, who joined him on stage for a feel-good rendition of I Got You Babe.

And Mark Knopfler played Local Hero, dedicating it to Sir Bobby Robson.