Bobby’s delight at appeal support
Apr 3 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal
SIR Bobby Robson yesterday revealed he has been overwhelmed at the early support for his new cancer foundation.
Just over a week after the official launch of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, donations in excess of £150,000 have been raised by members of the public, businesses and the footballing community.
The first money was received following a funeral when a family from Cornsay Colliery in County Durham requested donations to Sir Bobby’s foundation instead of flowers. They raised more than £221 in their relative’s memory.
Since then, Sir Bobby has been handed the first corporate donation – £20,000 from North East construction firm Esh Group.
Public donations on the JustGiving website have raised almost £16,000 and much more is being received through cheques to the PO Box address.
Currently fighting cancer for a fifth time, Sir Bobby said: “I’ve been overwhelmed at the level of support for the foundation and was extremely touched to hear the story of the family who encouraged people to donate at their relative’s funeral. To me, that’s typical of the thoughtfulness of the people of this area.
“Generosity of organisations such as Esh Group and from my own contacts in the footballing world has given fundraising efforts a huge kick-start.
“I would like to thank everyone who has made a donation so far and encourage more people to do so as we pull together to help the experts beat this disease.”
Brian Manning, chief executive of Esh Group, said: “I believe we speak for many people in the region when we describe Sir Bobby as an inspiration, an ambassador and a gentleman.
“We feel fortunate at Esh Group to count him as one of our supporters and friends and we are delighted to reciprocate by supporting him in a campaign which we know to be so very close to his heart. He will succeed – Sir Bobby has the Midas touch.”
The foundation, based at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, will initially focus on the early detection and treatment of cancer and will also help support clinical trials of new treatments to tackle the disease.
However, there are also plans to set up the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.
Anyone wanting to make a donation towards the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation should go to www.justgiving.com/thesirbobby robsonfoundation or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton, Newcastle, NE7 7QG.
