Cats pledge to back Sir Bobby’s battle

Apr 19 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

DERBY rivalries were temporarily put aside yesterday as Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn added his club’s support to Sir Bobby Robson’s battle to raise funds to help the fight against cancer.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Tyne-Wear match at St James’s Park, Quinn backed The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which is focussed on the early detection and treatment of cancer and will also help support clinical trials of promising new treatments to tackle the disease.

He said: “Sir Bobby is held in the very highest esteem by everyone in football, he is a true gentleman and I have the utmost admiration for him.

“He is one of life’s fighters and I’m sure he will battle this latest challenge with the same spirit that has seen him achieve so much in his life.

“I think what Sir Bobby is doing is fantastic. Anything that can help raise awareness and get us closer to finding a cure for this terrible disease should be embraced and here at Sunderland, naturally, we are delighted to support him.”

Sir Bobby is currently battling cancer for a fifth time and the 75-year-old legend is dedicating this year to raising money for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Sir Bobby said: “Given that I’ve battled cancer five times in the last 15 years it may sound strange to say I’ve been lucky.

“But I know how important it is to detect this disease as early as possible and without the quality care and treatment I’ve had over the years I wouldn’t be around to enjoy this weekend’s derby game.

“This is a very special week in the Tyne Wear footballing calendar and for Niall to offer his support at this time means a great deal to me. We’ve had some wonderful derby matches over the years and I hope Sunday’s will be entertaining for red and white and black and white alike.”

Many of the doctors and nurses working in the new Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre will be funded by Cancer Research UK.

They already help to ensure that local people have access to the latest cancer treatments by working in partnership with Cancer Research UK scientists at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research at Newcastle University. The money raised by the foundation will fund dedicated research facilities including a 12 bed unit with treatment rooms at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

To make a donation or view messages of support, or for more information on The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, please visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.