Post by audrey on May 8, 2006 7:46:14 GMT 8
Toon aces are Shay dream believers
By Craig Hope, The Evening Chronicle
They're better known for their fancy footwork on the football pitch but Newcastle United stars have been strutting their stuff on the catwalk in aid of charity.
Thirteen players donned the latest in designer gear at a charity bash for Macmillan Cancer Relief organised by patron Shay Given.
Caring United ace Shay organised the charity evening at St James' Park after losing his mum to cancer when he was just five.
And he smashed his target of £100,000 with a fantastic total of £276,000 raised for the charity.
Boy band Westlife waited until the last minute to perform a private gig which raised £100,000.
Shay said: "It was a memorable night, not only because of the money raised but also because of the involvement of Westlife which made the night extra special.
"I'm delighted at the money we have raised and it is going to an excellent charity.
"I've experienced first-hand the devastating effects cancer can have upon families. I'm appealing to people for help in raising valuable funds to help make a difference to people with cancer and their families by supporting Macmillan Cancer Relief.
"I've seen the fantastic work Macmillan do and it really is a great cause."
Michael Owen showed no sign of the injury which is threatening his World Cup chances as he strolled effortlessly down the catwalk in front of watching teammate Alan Shearer and Irish boy band Westlife.
Lee Bowyer sported a biker's jacket and blue jeans and Robbie Elliot wowed the crowds in a swanky grey suit.
Shay Given swapped his goalkeeper's jersey for a T-shirt and open-shirt combo, while Michael Owen, the face of Burton's Menswear, made a reappearance kitted out in a suave black suit.
Westlife took time out from their tour and entertained the 500 guests with a half-hour performance of their hits.
Lucky bidders snapped up the charity auction prizes which included a round of golf with Shay and Alan Shearer and a signed guitar from Irish rock stars U2 which was snapped up by Kieron Dyer for £20,000.
Shay said: "We'll be taking a helicopter from Newcastle to the K-Club golf course in Ireland for a round of golf. It will be a full day and we'll be having bacon sarnies in the morning and dinner after the golf.
"The boys from U2 have been very kind and have donated another signed guitar.
"Cruise Clothing have been very good to us by providing the clothes for the fashion show and I'm grateful that the football boys agreed to help out." Also on offer was a private dinner with Shay at Jesmond Dene House, signed United shirts, two tickets for Alan Shearer's testimonial, breakfast with the players at the club's training ground and a Vauxhall car.
Shay is good friends with Ronan Keating and the Irish pop star agreed to help his pal.
He will be playing in South Africa in the New Year and bidders competed for a long weekend there to meet him and see him perform.
Shay said: "I quite fancied the weekend in South Africa myself but New Year is quite a busy time for us fixture-wise. But at least we get to see Westlife play. I've been to a few concerts and I'm good friends with Nicky Byrne from the band."
United chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "Our players work tirelessly to help local charities, and I am delighted to see the players supporting Shay once again."