Look To The Stars News: Alan Shearer

England Shines At Soccer Aid 2008

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

England took on the “Rest of the World” at Wembley Stadium last night, September 7, in the star-studded Soccer Aid 2008 charity football match.

First organized by Robbie Williams two years ago, this year’s match saw England – Alan Shearer, Kyran Bracken, Ben Shephard, Gareth Gates, Jamie Theakston and Williams’ Soccer Aid co-founder Jonathan Wilkes – battle bravely against a World team captained by Gordon Ramsay, Nicky Byrne, Alastair Campbell, Patrick Kielty, Brian Lara, Jesse Metcalfe, and Peter Schmeichel.

The first goal of the match was scored by Teddy Sheringham for the England team just 9 minutes into the game, and was followed moments later by further heartbreak for the Rest of the World when captain Ramsay was forced to leave the field due to injury.

The scores were equalized by half time, but a last minute goal by English team captain Wilkes saw England win 4-3.

Over 40,000 people packed the stadium to watch the spectacle, with all proceeds going to UNICEF’s health, education and protection work with vulnerable children all over the world. UNICEF helps children to survive and thrive in more than 190 countries worldwide, working with partners to provide emergency support and long-term development solutions.

Robbie Williams Returns With Soccer Aid 2008

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British pop star Robbie Williams is organizing a soccer extravaganza to raise money for UNICEF.

Soccer Aid 2008, which will take place at Wembley Stadium on September 7, will see two teams of celebrities go head to head in a match of epic proportions. The game will pit an English “All Star” team – featuring Alan Shearer, Kyran Bracken, Ben Shephard, Gareth Gates, Jamie Theakston and Williams’ Soccer Aid co-founder Jonathan Wilkes – against a Rest Of The World side that includes Gordon Ramsay, Nicky Byrne, Alastair Campbell, Patrick Kielty, Brian Lara, Jesse Metcalfe, and Peter Schmeichel.

The match follows the first Soccer Aid game played in Old Trafford in 2006 that raised £2.6 million (US$5 million) for UNICEF, of which Williams is an Ambassador. Williams, who captained the England side in the first game, is unable to play this year due to a knee injury.

“Being able to help so many people through Soccer Aid was one of the true highlights of my life,” said the singer. “I’m gutted that this time round my knee isn’t up to it so unfortunately I’m out of the game. But I hope that everyone involved has the time of their life like I did, raises loads of money for Unicef and that the best side wins.”

The match will be televised on ITV in Britain, and will be hosted by Ant and Dec.

Tickets are available from www.itv.com/socceraid.

Young Girl Calls Celebrities For A Hand

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:37:33 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Tilly Lockey is only two years old, but she is hoping for a little magic. At the moment, this bright-eyed toddler is eager and happy, but she lacks the ability to do the things that other two year olds do. She can’t reach out for her toys. She doesn’t know what it is like to clutch a crayon and draw a picture. She can’t even hold her mother’s hand.

You see, Tilly Lockey has no hands of her own. But she wants some. And with a little help, she might just get some.

When Tilly was still a baby, she contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia, a deadly form of flesh-eating meningitis for which there is no vaccination. It was every mother’s nightmare – to see her baby slowly turn purple, then black, tubes coming out of every part of her tiny body, helpless and beaten by a relentless disease. For four weeks Tilly fought back in intensive care, and after ten blood transfusions later she was finally pronounced out of danger. Unfortunately her hands and toes were already dead, and had to be removed.

But this is where the magic comes in. Tilly’s parents, Adam and Sarah, have launched a campaign to give their daughter a hand – two hands, in fact. And they are appealing to the stars for help.

The initiative involves celebrities making prints of their hands – or perhaps just drawing around them – and then customizing them in a way that defines their character. Harry Potter creator JK Rowling heads the field, with drawings of wizards adorning her fingers. Sir Cliff Richard has donated a plain green handprint to represent his clean image, and Only Fools And Horses actor Sir David Jason has decorated his print with pictures from the long-running BBC comedy series. The pictures will then be auctioned in October.

Other celebrities, such as retired English footballer Alan Shearer, pop duo Erasure, David Prowse – who played Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies – and several members of Manchester United have also made clay casts of their hands for the initiative.

Tilly has so far received over 40 handprints and casts for the auction, including those from singer Katie Melua, Rolf Harris, Patrick Stewart, Linford Christie, Wendy Richards, The Weakest Link’s Anne Robinson, and several English cricket players. But in order for her to get the prosthetic hands she so desperately wants, she needs more. If anyone can help Tilly, the campaign can be reached via enquires@tillylockey.co.uk. More information on Tilly’s story and the handprint auction can be found at www.givetillyahand.co.uk.

Look To The Stars News: Alan Shearer

England Shines At Soccer Aid 2008

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