Alan Shearer has made a personal visit to the home of charity supporter Keith Dungait to thank him for his fundraising efforts. Keith, who was paralysed from the waist down after an accident in 2018, has taken 2,625 steps as part of the 'Move a Mile' campaign for the Alan Shearer Foundation.
Keith's son Macaulay, 13, was thrilled by the visit, exclaiming: "Alan Shearer is in the lounge!" The England and Newcastle United legend met Keith, his wife Christine, and their sons Ronnie, 16, and Macaulay at their home in Morpeth, Northumberland.
A Challenging Journey
Keith was left paralysed from the waist down after hitting his head on the bottom of a swimming pool during a stag-do celebration in Majorca in July 2018. He took his first solo step 997 days after the accident, relying on sheer willpower and determination to walk a mile.
Donors were encouraged to give £1 for every 68-centimetre step Keith takes around his home. He is now closing in on his target of £2,775, with £2,625 raised so far. The overall goal for the foundation is £1m to fund a second hydrotherapy pool for people with disabilities at the centre in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Shearer's Personal Thanks
Alan said he was moved by Keith's story after seeing a film of his challenge on social media. "We have had 10,000 responses to our 'Move a Mile' campaign so far and I would love to thank every one of them personally if I could," he said. "But I wanted to see Keith because I was just so moved by his film. The idea is that you move a mile, donate £5 and then nominate three others. What Keith is doing to help others is just incredible and the commitment he has shown is amazing."
Alan joked that it was 'surreal' when Macaulay remarked: "I can't believe Alan Shearer is in the lounge!" He admitted he felt the same when he met his own hero, the late Kevin Keegan. "It was really funny and I completely understand that - it is exactly how I felt when I met Kevin Keegan. Then I signed for Newcastle United! But it is surreal when someone says that to you face to face."
Support from Celebrities
Gary Lineker and David Beckham support the Alan Shearer Foundation, as does North East mayor Kim McGuinness, who has pledged to get Andy Burnham involved too.
Keith recalled meeting Alan at the former Julie's nightclub years ago, with Alan jokingly telling him: "I told you to keep that quiet man!" Keith said it had been 'incredible' to meet his hero, "a legend and a superstar he used to go and watch week in and week out". He added: "That is one of the main reasons I wanted to do it: to help Alan Shearer and the people who use the centre which he founded."
Keith measured his step at about 68 centimetres and set a target of 2,775 steps. "Some days I take 10 steps backwards and forwards. It has been tough at times but I just try to get through it," he said. He has vowed to continue taking as many steps as possible each day until he reaches his fundraising target.
