Look To The Stars News: Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer Becomes Patron Of Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

English football legend Alan Shearer is to be the new patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The former Newcastle star will be named patron of the cancer charity following the death of football manager Bobby Robson in July. Launched in March 2008, the Foundation focuses on the clinical trials of cancer drugs and treatments.

“It was a huge honour for me to be asked by Sir Bobby’s family to join his charity as patron and I was very happy to accept,” said Shearer. “Sadly nobody goes through their lives unaffected by cancer and I’m proud that there are experts working towards a cure for the disease here in the North East. Bobby was, quite rightly, incredibly proud of what his charity had achieved and I’m just as proud now to be asked to help carry on his fight against cancer.”

Earlier this year, Shearer was part of a charity match held to raise money for the charity.

“Speaking for both my family and the charity we’re extremely happy and grateful that Alan has agreed to become a patron for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation,” said Sir Bobby’s widow, Lady Elsie.“We know how much effort he already puts into charitable work and it’s no small thing to agree a commitment to another good cause.”

The Stars Come Out For Tilly

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of stars were out in the weekend to support a young British girl who contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia as a baby and lost her hands as a result.

Last year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Tilly Lockey, who contracted a deadly form of flesh-eating meningitis for which there is no vaccination. It was every mother’s nightmare, and for four weeks Tilly fought back in intensive care. 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.

Tilly recently received her first set of prosthetic hands. According to her parents, “these need to be replaced as she grows, consultants have told us that they will need to be changed a minimum of once every year if not twice up until she is 18 years old! We received the invoice for the hands and they are costing £23,464.00 a pair. Therefore if we need to have a target of raising approx £800,000.00 to cover the costs up until Tilly is 18 years old.”

A star-studded event at Gateshead’s Hilton Hotel in the UK on September 5 saw over 100 celebrity hand prints auctioned to raise money for three-year-old Tilly. British stars such as fundraising patron Denise Welch, Duncan Bannatyne, Emmerdale’s Charlie Hardwick and Vicky Hawkins, and Waterloo Road’s Chris Greere turned out for the event, which featured hand prints from stars such as JK Rowling, Linford Christie, David Jason, Cliff Richard, David Prowse, Alan Shearer, Daniel Craig, Girls Aloud, the late Wendy Richard, cast members from Coronation Street, Bill Bailey, Geri Halliwell, Katherine Jenkins, Katie Melua, Jonathan Ross, Rolf Harris, Lorraine Kelly, the late Bobby Robson and many more.

Guests to the event were treated to an amazing fun-filled night for the very special little girl. Upon entering the venue, guests were able to have their photos taken with Jaws from the James Bond films and Bond’s very own Aston Martin. After being greeted by characters from Star Wars, they were then treated to a Champagne Reception, three course dinner and performances from Paul Lytton, Michael Donoghue and Richard Fleeshman.

There was also an amazing raffle where guests had the chance to win amazing prizes such as long haul flights, cosmetic treatments and much more.

To find out more about Tilly, visit her website.

Farewell Sir Bobby Robson: A Legend's Charity Legacy

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

English football legend Sir Bobby Robson has died, leaving behind a legacy of campaigning in the fight against cancer.

Sir Bobby passed away just five days after the Bobby Robson Trophy match held last weekend to honor the former England and Newcastle United manager and raise money for his Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. The match saw a replay of Sir Bobby’s most famous match – the England vs Germany 1990 FIFA World Cup match, featuring original players, such as Alan Shearer.

Robson had been diagnosed with cancer 5 times in the last 15 years. His Foundation focuses on early detection and treatment of cancer and the clinical trials of new drugs that will eventually beat it.

“Every day is a new day and the support of my good friends, family and all the very many well-wishers and supporters of my charity keeps me positive,” Sir Bobby had said about his battle. “The support for my charity has been phenomenal and I have to say I’ve been very touched by it. It’s not always easy but through this charity I’ve met some wonderful people, some very faithful people, and as long as the commitment and belief is there I’ll continue to help for as long as I can.”

He created the Foundation not only to provide early cancer detection and treatments, but also to provide clinical trials of new drugs at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care in the Freeman Hospital in the UK. Established in 2008, the initial goal of the Foundation was to raise £500,000 to fund equipment for a cancer research centre being built in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, but soon grew to encompass much more.

To make a donation to Sir Bobby’s Foundation, click here.

Football Stars Hit The Field For Charity Rematch

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Legendary footballer Alan Shearer is one of the many names of yesteryear to play in the Bobby Robson Trophy game this weekend. The match is in honor of the former England and Newcastle United manager, Sir Bobby Robson, and in aid of his cancer charity, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The match – to be played on Sunday, July 26, at St James’ Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, England – is to be a replay of the England vs Germany 1990 FIFA World Cup match, featuring players that played in that game.

Joining Shearer on the field are footballers such as Paul Gascoigne and Les Ferdinand, and celebrities such as Jimmy Nail, Craig David, Angus Deayton and Austin Healy.

“Sunday will be a great day and I’m looking forward to being part of it. It will be very special to play in front of a crowd at St James’ Park again,” said Shearer. “Bobby really deserves this match after everything he’s done. I think the charity is his greatest legacy. You can see what this means to him and how hungry he is for it to be a success, which without doubt it is. He’s very proud of it and so he should be.”

Robson has been diagnosed with cancer 5 times in the last 15 years. His Foundation focuses on early detection and treatment of cancer and the clinical trials of new drugs that will eventually beat it.

Tickets for the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy are available via Newcastle United’s Box Office 0844 372 1892, www.nufc.co.uk and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. They cost £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Celebrity Handprints To Be Auctioned For Tilly

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last year, Look To The Stars brought you the story of Tilly Lockey, a young girl who contracted Meningococcal Septicaemia as a baby and lost her hands as a result.

A number of stars, such as JK Rowling, Linford Christie, David Jason, Cliff Richard, David Prowse and Alan Shearer showed their support for Tilly’s cause by donating handprints and casts for a charity auction to give her new hands. Look To The Stars is now happy to announce that the 2009 Celebrity Handprint Auction will take place on September 5 at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel in the UK.

The gala evening will feature entertainment from Paul Lytton, Michael Donoghue and Richard Fleeshman, as well as a Champagne Reception and 3 course dinner.

Other handprints up for auction on the night include Daniel Craig, Girls Aloud, the late Wendy Richard, cast members from Coronation Street, Bill Bailey, Geri Halliwell, Katherine Jenkins, Katie Melua, Jonathan Ross, Rolf Harris, Lorraine Kelly, Bobby Robson and many more.

To purchase tickets to the event, view the handprints, or find out more about Tilly’s cause, visit the official website.

England Shines At Soccer Aid 2008

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

Written by Tim Saunders

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 12:37:00 -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 Richard, 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

Alan Shearer Becomes Patron Of Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

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