Alan Shearer paid a visit to Keith Dungait who completed 2,775 steps despite being told he could never walk again in the process of raising thousands for the Alan Shearer Foundation’s Million Pound Mission.
Now 50, Keith Dungait, from Morpeth, has spent years recovering his mobility after suffering a severe spinal cord injury when he fell into a swimming pool and hit his head while on holiday in Majorca in 2018.
Despite doctors’ fears that he would never walk again, Keith continued to gradually regain his strength and the ability to take steps with support through years of physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
When he heard of the Alan Shearer Foundation’s ‘Move a Mile’ fundraising challenge, Keith was determined to take part, aiming to walk 2,775 steps, the equivalent of one mile based on his stride length.
Using the Zimmer frame and initially managing around 50 steps a day, Keith gradually worked towards his goal, completing a full mile and raising thousands of pounds for the Foundation’s Million Pound Mission appeal.
Touched by Kate’s story and determination, Alan visited her at her home in Morpeth to personally thank her for her incredible efforts and commitment to supporting the Foundation.
During the visit, Alan joined Keith to take a few steps together before Keith presented him with a check for £2,775 for the Foundation’s fundraising appeal.
Photo: Alan Shearer Foundation
The money will support the Foundation’s ambitious £1 million appeal to build a second hydrotherapy pool at the Alan Shearer Center in Newcastle, helping more children and adults with complex disabilities access vital treatment and support.
Kate’s journey began in July 2018 when an accident left her with the possibility that she would never be able to walk again. After two years of intensive rehabilitation, he resumed walking along parallel bars, using his arms for support. In March 2021, 997 days after his accident, he reached a major milestone when he was able to take one step using only one arm for support.
Since then, Keith has continued to work to regain his mobility, despite significant back pain and physical challenges along the way.
Now that she’s completed her mile, Kate is determined to keep going, taking steps and raising money for the Foundation’s Move a Mile challenge.
Alan Shearer: “When I first heard about Kate and what she does for the Foundation, it’s amazing to go through what she has and then take on such a challenge to help other people. Move a Mile has always been about showing that anyone can get involved, regardless of ability or circumstances. And let her know how much her support means to us.
Photo: Alan Shearer Foundation
Keith Dungait: “After the accident I was told I would never be able to walk again, so now to say I’ve walked a mile is something I’m really proud of. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here and some days are harder than others, but I’ve always been determined to keep going and see what I can achieve. When I saw the One Mile Movement, I thought it was a bit different. It’s going to take me a while, but I’m hoping to raise some money for a brilliant cause along the way, Alan It means a lot to have her come and visit me and thank me in person, I didn’t expect anything like this when I started and I’m glad that my efforts can help other people and families who need this support.
It was launched in August as part of the Foundation’s Million Pound Mission and encourages people of all ages and abilities to walk, run, cycle or walk a mile as much as they can, donate and encourage others to take part.
The campaign hopes to reach 52,719 miles, representing every venue at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park.
The £1 million mission was launched in April 2026 in response to growing demand at the Alan Shearer Center and now supports more than 10,000 members and their families across the North East. However, with increasing demand, the existing hydrotherapy pool is struggling to meet members’ needs, leaving families with limited access to essential therapy sessions.
The Million Pound Mission aims to fund a second pool, increase capacity, reduce waiting times and ensure more families have access to the support they need.
To find out more about Move a Mile, take part in the challenge or donate, visit: