NEWCASTLE United hero Alan Shearer has proved the sky is the limit for his Foundation as it has the backing of a leading aviation company.

Samson Aviation has announced that The Alan Shearer Foundation is its chosen charity and the company is set to stage a variety of fundraising events.

The charity, which is part of St Cuthbert’s Care, has already reached its target of £250,000 just seven months into its fundraising year.

Former Newcastle United star Shearer said: “It is hugely important that a big company like Samson Aviation comes on board with the Foundation.

“We are absolutely delighted that they’re supporting us. I appreciate how difficult it is to raise money in this current economic climate.

“I can hardly believe that we’ve reached our annual target of £250,000, just seven months into the year’s funding.

“It is great to give something back with the Foundation as the services funded are invaluable for children and their parents.”

Samson Aviation, the private jet facility based at Newcastle International Airport, will be collecting funds for the charity within its terminal and through fundraising activities with staff and business partners.

Paula Ives, commercial manager for Samson Aviation, said: “We're delighted to announce that we have selected The Alan Shearer Foundation as our adopted charity.”

The Alan Shearer Foundation was launched in May last year, with the aim of supporting disability in the North East by raising at least £250,000 every year to help individuals and their families.

The Alan Shearer Centre in West Denton, Newcastle, has for almost six years given disabled people and their families a pioneering treatment centre, with special therapy facilities.

Shearer handed £250,000 of his 2006 testimonial receipts to St Cuthbert’s Care – it became £320,000 with Gift Aid status – and watched as the centre expanded in the ensuing years.

Richard Hunter, three, of Kenton, Newcastle, uses the Alan Shearer Centre up to five times a month to help with his rehabilitation after he lost three limbs when he was struck down with meningitis in June 2010.

His grandmother Maureen Armstrong, 48, of Benwell, Newcastle, said: “Richard loves Shearer and he loves using the centre – he counts down the days until when he can go.”

Austin Donohoe, chief executive of St Cuthbert’s Care, said: “As well as funding free sensory and specialist facilities at the activity centre, the funds raised by the Foundation also allow the charity to offer a number of free respite breaks to its existing short break service users.

“No other provider of respite care offers this benefit which makes the facility very special indeed”.

To find out how to support the Alan Shearer Foundation and to read about some of the people that benefit, visit www.alanshearerfoundation.org.uk