Alan Shearer to revive legendary goal celebration for powerful reason

The famous goal celebration of the Premier League's record goalscorer is set to raise millions for charity. Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer's 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'. Now that image will become the symbol of the Alan Shearer Foundation, to be used in their fundraising work.

The charity opened a centre in Shearer's name on his native Tyneside; it has running costs of £320,000-a-year. That provides vital care for 5,000 profoundly disabled children and adults.

Asked why it means so much to him, Shearer, 54, told the Mirror: "I remember meeting a family in the early days who told me the Centre was the only place they felt truly relaxed. That hit me. No judgement. No pressure. Just kindness and space. That’s when I realised how rare and important a place like this really is."

He wants to encourage others to raise vital funds. His close friend and former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, 64, has ribbed him about how he used the same celebration all the time. But he said: "It felt right, and I stuck with it. No big plan behind it. Just one arm in the air, nothing flashy.

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"I kept it simple, and over time, it became part of who I was on the pitch. People still bring it up now, which is mad really. One small gesture that followed me throughout my whole career.

"It was always about pride in something meaningful happening.

"So, it felt right to give it a new life and turn it into a way for others to get involved."

He added: “Raise your hand to help” is now our call to action. It’s not about me anymore. It’s about inviting people to step forward and do something good.

"Whether you’re donating, volunteering or just sharing the message, raising your hand means you're part of it."

Paul Hart, MD of Cargo, the creative design agency behind the new brand identity for the charity, said: "I was like a kid in a sweetshop working on this project as I am a big football fan.

"The message behind the celebration suits the charity so well, and it is something which people instantly recognise. The most important aspect of this is to reflect what the centre achieves in helping 5,000 families in need."

In April, Shearer told how he had raised an incredible £7m for the centre and admitted it felt better than scoring for England. When his playing career ended, he gave millions raised from his 2006 testimonial to charity.

The Alan Shearer Centre for people with profound disabilities opened a year later. “I was extremely lucky in my career," he said. "Scoring for England, being captain, winning the Premier League, this place beats all of that."

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