Global data centre leader QTS has announced a £140,000 donation to the Alan Shearer Foundation, which helps children and adults with complex disabilities and sensory impairments across the North East.
The three-year grant will support the specialist facilities and services provided free of charge at the Alan Shearer Activity Centre in Newcastle. Developed in partnership with the foundation, it will offer greater certainty and help sustain operations over the long term.
Established by former Newcastle United and England captain Alan Shearer, the foundation supports those with complex disabilities across the North East by funding the specialist facilities and services at the Alan Shearer Centre. The centre offers free access to specialist facilities and equipment like hydrotherapy pools, interactive sensory rooms, and accessible play areas, alongside respite care for families and carers.
The grant follows the foundation’s launch in August of Move a Mile, a fundraising challenge that forms part of its 12-month Million Pound Mission to raise £1 million for a second hydrotherapy pool.
The challenge asks supporters to walk, run, cycle or move one mile any way they can, make a donation, log their mile and nominate three others to take on the challenge next. The foundation is aiming for 52,719 miles in total, one for every seat at St James’ Park.
Alan Shearer said: “This is a huge boost for the foundation and for the people who rely on the centre’s services. Everything we do here is provided free of charge, and this level of support gives us the confidence to plan ahead and reach more families. It’s great to see investment coming into our region, and we’re very grateful for QTS’ support and the difference it will make to families across the North East.”
Stephanie Taylor, executive vice-president, development (Europe), QTS, said: “We are building for the long term in Cambois. Being a good neighbour is integral to who we are, and how we operate as QTS. That means becoming part of the community, not simply operating within it. The Alan Shearer Foundation provides life-changing support for families, and we want to make sure it can continue to help as many people as possible.”
The grant forms part of QTS’ commitment to helping communities where the company lives and works. In July, QTS staged the inaugural Better Together Cup at Blyth Spartans AFC, where it announced a partnership with leading mental health charity Mind.
In September, around 45 riders from QTS and construction partner Fortivum completed the Hadrian’s Wall Coast-to-Coast Charity Cycle Ride, covering approximately 100 miles from Workington to the Cambois campus and raising over £80,000 for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Great North Children’s Hospital.
QTS is developing one of Europe’s largest AI data centre campuses at Cambois in Northumberland. The investment, which is worth up to £10 billion, is set to support 1,200 long-term construction jobs and 400 operational jobs, with QTS also investing in local skills, training and apprenticeships, alongside a £110 million fund managed by Northumberland County Council to drive long-term investment in the region.
