Shearer Helps Raise £60,000 for Hospice

By Matthew Jones
April 19 2004

Magpies' skipper Alan Shearer was among a host of stars to turn out in force last night to raise more than £60,000 for a North-East hospice.

Shearer kept his word, and turned up to co-host the fundraising dinner, in aid of the Hartlepool and District Hospice - despite playing against Villa just a couple of hours earlier!

Alan dashed 200-miles from Birmingham to Yarm, Stockton, to attend the event held at The Tall Trees Hotel.

The evening was organised by Century FM DJ Paul "Goffy" Gough following the death of his 54-year-old sister, Angela O'Hara, last year as a result of cancer.

Shearer said:

"I get asked to hundreds of events. But I really wanted to support this one. Goffy has been a very good friend and I wanted to help in some way at this worthwhile event."

His words were echoed by Middlesbrough FC manager Steve McClaren, who said: "I am delighted to support such a worthwhile cause."

The Northern Echo reported that "the money raised will be used to fund landscaping and the creation of gardens at the hospice's new site at Wells Avenue, Hartlepool."

Some of the money will also be going to the 24-hour helpline service which is available to both patients and their families.

Speaking about organising the event, and fundraising, Paul Gough added: "We started in January and set ourselves a target of £30,000, but we surpassed that even before the night began.

"The hospice was fantastic to Angela and I know she will have been watching over us and would be thrilled at what has been achieved."