Alan Shearer launches £1m mission to help thousands of disabled children

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England legend Alan Shearer is launching a £1 million appeal to help thousands of disabled children. His 'Million Pound Mission’ is the largest-ever fundraising campaign in the 20-year history of the foundation in his name.

It provides vital funding and support to keep the Centre free for children and adults with complex disabilities.

Last year he told the Mirror how his work at the Alan Shearer Centre in his hometown meant more to him than any of his achievements in football.

He has already raised £7m as demand for the centre's help has grown. His latest fundraising drive is to build a new hydrotherapy pool after demand for its services grew to almost 10,000 members.

He 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.”

The fundraising initiative, inspired by Shearer’s famous goal celebration, encourages individuals, communities and businesses to get involved in various ways, such as fundraising, partnerships and donations.

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The latest £1m drive will fund the construction of a second hydrotherapy pool to increase capacity, reduce waiting times and ensure more families receive the specialist care they need.

The campaign officially launches on April 17, a date chosen to mark a defining moment in Alan Shearer’s career: his final professional goal, scored in Newcastle United's 4–1 Tyne-Wear derby victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

His centre is a vital source of support for many adults, children and families. It is the only charity-run facility in the region providing this level of specialist support completely free of charge and accessible to all.

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The centre, in West Denton Newcastle, helps people with profound disabilities. More than 5,000 people can access the full range of facilities free of charge.

Users of the centre, part of the charity St Cuthbert's Care, have access to life-enhancing therapies such as hydrotherapy and sensory play.

Dad-of-three Shearer, 55, said last year: “I was extremely lucky in my career. Scoring for England, captaining the team, winning the Premier League - this place beats all of that."

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Shearer's famous goal celebration is helping to raise money for charity. The right arm salute was seen 260 times in grounds up and down the country.

It became his 'trademark' and 'part of who he was on the pitch'. It is now the symbol of the Alan Shearer Foundation, to be used in their fundraising work.

It has running costs of £320,000-a-year.

You can donate to Alan Shearer's £1million mission here.