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TOON STARS TWINKLE IN THE SUNSHINE!

10 May 2010

United Soccer Favourites Do Their Bit For Chronicle Charity

THEY never once lost their way during a championship-clinching season – but Toon stars failed to find a top Tyneside hotel... Guests of honour Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan kept a charity dinner pondering their whereabouts for an hour when they were taken to the wrong venue.

Diners were left scratching their heads when the stars failed to show at the Hilton, Gateshead –instead they had been whisked off to the Marriott hotel, in Gosforth.

But when the midfield powerhouses, at the centre of Newcastle’s league winning season, arrived they proved to be an attraction worth waiting for, finding time to chat and mingle with fans who had turned up to meet them.

They showed they were good sports by posing for photos and signing balls, shirts and autographs for guests at the dinner in aid of the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund, last night.

Alan said: “I think any football club you play for is inevitably going to be at the centre of the community, and somewhere like Newcastle, with its history, has a huge relationship with charities in the city.

“It’s important for people like myself and Kevin to come and give a little bit back for all the fantastic support we have received throughout the season. The Sunshine Fund is a great charity and we are happy to do all we can for it.”

Mobbed by fans at the event, Kevin laughed off the mix-up and, in a hoarse voice, said: “We got a bit misinformed coming here, but at least we made it, better late than never.

“As you can probably tell from my voice the celebrations have been going very well. It’s been a great achievement this year, and hopefully this is the start of something great for Newcastle. I think all charities are important, and if we can help the Sunshine Fund in any way then we’re delighted.”

Guests at the evening, whose VIP area was staged with the backing of Newcastle Brown Ale, were treated to a question and answer session with the stars before comedian Aaron James raised laughs.

Debbie Wilde, of the Sunshine Fund which helps sick and disabled children, said: “Our congratulations go to everyone at Newcastle United for such a fantastic season. We are extremely grateful to Alan and Kevin for giving up their time, I know the guests were delighted to have questions answered by them. Our thanks also go to all of the guests, whose generosity in buying a ticket and backing the charity, makes such a difference.”

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