Helpers are in premier league

May 10 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

THE biggest names in North East football last night came together to back Sir Bobby Robson’s fundraising mission. Players past and present joined managers, chairmen and two knights at a star-studded dinner and auction at St James’s Park to raise money for the region’s new cancer research centre.

Sir Bobby Charlton was back in the North East to join his old England team mate and friend, joining Sir Bobby’s captain at Newcastle, Alan Shearer, and his England captains Bryan Robson and Terry Butcher at the event.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort joined Magpie favourites Shay Given and Warren Barton in supporting the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn was on hand to represent the Black Cats, along with Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson and manager Gareth Southgate.

Sir Bobby told The Journal of his pride at his charity having passed the £400,000 mark, but vowed to continue fundraising even after he kits out the new Cancer Trials Research Centre at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

Last night two autograph hunters handed him £10 and £20 notes, and Ashington artist Marvin Johnson arrived with a framed painting of Sir Bobby for him to auction.

Sir Bobby said: “The £500,000 was only our first target. It’s for the people of the North East and I’ve had great support from them.

“We didn’t have a long time to arrange this. Normally this would have taken six months and it’s all been done in four weeks.”

Sir Bobby Charlton said: “He’s a great credit to the game and a marvellous man. He’s much braver than I could ever be.

“To take the approach he has taken when he’s had all this bad news, it’s marvellous and I’m just pleased I could be here. It takes a lot of strength to do what he’s done.”

Up for auction last night was the chance to meet David Beckham and watch an LA Galaxy match, dinner for eight with Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie at their home and a signed guitar from Sting.

Former England captain Bryan Robson said: “It was a pleasure to work with Sir Bobby. He was a terrific manager and had a terrific career. He’s a brave man. He never complains when I speak to him on the phone. he never moans about it. That’s why I made the effort to change things round to come tonight.”

Staff from Newcastle Hospitals were also at the dinner, including Sir Bobby’s doctor Ruth Plummer, who will lead the new research centre. Alan Shearer said: “It never ceases to amaze, the trouble he goes to and the effort he puts in – that’s him all over.

“It’s a great charity. It’s also for Sir Bobby. Anything we can do for him tonight is great.”

Chris Mort said: “He’s a fabulous guy and we’re delighted to be hosting this event tonight. Hopefully we’ll be raising a lot of money for Sir Bobby’s charity. You can see from the public reaction that he’s an incredibly popular character – not just in the North East, but throughout the country.”

To make a donation to the charity visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton, Newcastle NE7 7QG.