Footballing icons support chemotherapy unit

An interview with two of the region's greatest footballing heroes; Kevin Keegan and Peter Reid, will be the highlight of a Gala Sports Evening in support of a fundraising appeal to extend the chemotherapy unit at University Hospital of North Durham.  The evening will be held at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, on Thursday 13 June.

The sporting legends, who both had very close connections with the North East during their career, will be interviewed by Pete Graves, from Sky Sports.  The event also includes a three course meal and music until 1.00am, as well as a chance to meet the two sporting icons and a 'pitch-side' exclusive seat for the interview. 

Kevin Keegan  OBE , won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals for his country.  His club career began in 1968 with Scunthorpe, before a move to Liverpool in 1971 where he won three First Division titles, the UEFA Cup, twice, the FA Cup and the European Cup.  Moving to Hamburger SV in 1977, Keegan was named European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979, won the Bundesliga title in 1978/9 and reached the European Cup final in 1980.  After a spell at Southampton, He moved to Newcastle United in 1982.  Keegan's father and grandfather were lifelong Magpie supporters and both lived in the city. Keegan helped Newcastle to promotion in his second season, and retired as a player in 1984.

Keegan went on to manage  Newcastle United,  Fulham and  Manchester City, winning promotion as champions in his first full season at all three clubs.  He also managed the England national team from 1999 - 2000.

Peter Reid, was a successful player for many years before an equally successful career in management.  Described as one of England's brightest midfield talents' he won domestic and European honours whilst with Everton, including winning the football league twice.  In 1985 he was voted the Professional Football Players' Player of the Year and in the same year came fourth in the World Soccer Player of the Year award.  He won 13 caps with England, including playing in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. 

A successful club management career began with Manchester City, initially as player/manager, where, in a three year period, he guided them to two fifth-place first division finishes - the first of which saw them finish above their rivals, Manchester United. 

But it's possibly for two very successful spells as manager of Sunderland for which Reid is best remembered, winning promotion to the Premier League on two occasions and achieving two seventh place finishes in the top division.  He combined his role at the Stadium of Light with the job of manager of the England under 21s squad for a spell in 1999. 

Pete Graves, said, "I'm absolutely delighted to be involved in what promises to be a very special evening,  especially as it's supporting such a tremendous cause.  Kevin Keegan and Peter Reid are held in extremely high regard in Newcastle and Sunderland respectively and I can't wait to take them on a trip down memory lane.  They're also both hilariously funny so I expect there will be plenty of laughs all round." 

Pat Chambers, charity manager at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said, "This promises to be a very special evening, a one-off chance to meet and listen to two of England's best loved and most talented footballers interviewed by one of television's best known sports presenters. Tickets are £100 and selling fast, so please contact us soon to avoid disappointment.    

"The dinner follows our charity golf event, rounding off an amazing day for us at Ramside Hall. For £300, teams of four will enjoy the 18 holes at Ramside, and a two course lunch.  The day will start with a bacon butty breakfast and Pete Graves has very kindly agreed to be with us throughout the day and evening. A number of people have bought tickets for both the golf day and the dinner. 

"We're also hosting a St Patrick's Night celebration at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham on 16 March.  Tickets are £25 per person and include 'posh' pie & peas and a ceilidh.  Contact us on: 01325 743781 or email: cddft.charity@nhs.net" 

"Our charity appeal is raising money that will go towards plans to extend and enhance the chemotherapy unit at University Hospital of North Durham. This will offer patients locally an improved experience at what can be a difficult time.  These  events are  a chance for local people to help make a difference as we care for patients with cancer."  

Ends

Published 6th March 2019