The Evening Chronicle

Alan Shearer gets a birthday
surprise from Tilly Lockey

14 August 2010, by Alastair Craig

WITH a hug for the birthday boy, meningitis victim Tilly Lockey wishes Toon legend Alan Shearer a very happy 40th.

The brave four-year-old helped Newcastle United’s record goal-scorer blow out a sea of candles on his cake as the pair met for the first time yesterday.

Shearer was the star guest at Tilly’s annual golf fundraising day at Newcastle’s Westerhope course, the same day as he celebrated the big four zero.

And the embarrassed former striker – who fired in 148 league goals for the Magpies – was welcomed with an impromptu rendition of “happy birthday to you”.

Even when the charity event was cancelled because of heavy rain, dad-of-three Shearer still made time to meet the little Toon fan.

Like Shearer, Tilly has captured the hearts of the North East, showing fighting spirit when she lost both hands after contracting meningitis aged just 15 months.

Tilly’s mum Sarah, 31, from Tow Law, County Durham, said her daughter and the St James’s park hero hit it off straight away.

“Alan and Tilly had great fun and it was lovely that she could meet him and wish him happy birthday,” she said.

“He seemed to love getting his cake and he seemed fine about turning 40. He was on good form.

“Alan has been very supportive of Tilly’s appeal and gave a hand print for the auction, but it’s wonderful that they have finally met.

“He said it was a pleasure to meet her, and though she probably didn’t know who he was really, they had a great time.”

Sarah and Tilly’s dad Adam are huge Newcastle supporters and are preparing for Tilly to start St Mary’s Primary School in Blackhill, Consett, in September.

“She’s doing really well in herself at the moment and we just want to keep going with the fundraising and make sure she has the hands she needs,” added Sarah.

After the youngster’s plight came to light in 2007, the Chronicle launched the Give Tilly A Hand appeal, which aims to raise enough money to provide her with a new set of limbs each year until she reaches 18.

Since then, tens of thousands of pounds have come in, ranging from small donations to the proceeds of large corporate events.

The golf day was organised by the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead hotel and Westerhope Golf Club, and is expected to raise thousands of pounds for Tilly’s appeal when it is completed next month.

Foundation charity champion at the hotel, Lindsey Rivington, said: “We are proud to be involved in the Give Tilly a Hand appeal as our chosen charity this year.

“Tilly is a very brave little girl with a massive personality and the team here at the hotel are delighted to be supporting her.

“We are looking forward to the golf day and to raising money for Tilly’s new hands.”

Tilly’s golf tournament has now been re-organised for September 24, the day before her annual fundraising ball at the Hilton on September 25, which will feature a special live performance by TV’s X Factor contestant Diana Vickers.

Teams of four golfers are being invited to enter at a cost of £240 per group, and can also sponsor the event or sponsor a hole on the course for an extra £60.

For information and ticket sales for either the reorganised golf day or the charity ball call Ken Wallace on (0191) 370 9559.