The night of all knights to help Sir Bobby raise funds
Jul 24 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
TWO of the country’s top sporting knights have pledged to support a glittering gala dinner to help Sir Bobby Robson raise money to beat cancer.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Ashington-born Sir Bobby Charlton will speak at the Night of All Knights.
The Manchester United theme is extended into the entertainment on offer, with singer and lifelong United supporter Mick Hucknall starring.
The evening of music, sport and laughter will be held at Rainton Meadows Suites in Houghton-le-Spring, on October 30. All proceeds will go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
In addition to a live performance with Hucknall, the former Simply Red frontman, the evening includes the two Sir Bobbies and Sir Alex in conversation with Des Lynam. More entertainers will be announced before the big day.
Former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson, who hails from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was captain of England when Sir Bobby managed the national side. He is also expected to attend.
Sir Bobby said: “To have Mick Hucknall singing here is fantastic, he is a wonderful artist.
“Sir Bobby Charlton was an amazing footballer and I am delighted he has agreed to come and help out.
“We both left the North East when we were teenagers. I moved from Langley Park to London to play for Fulham and he went to Manchester. You could say we both hit the jackpot and we have been friends for a long, long time.
“As for Sir Alex, he is a tremendous manager. I persuaded him not to retire six years ago when he was thinking about it. I talked to him after Manchester United played at Newcastle and told him he would regret it if he retired. Instead of staying at home gardening and wondering what to do with his days, he’s won another European championship.
“His brain is still razor sharp and he can go on for a long time yet.”
Michael Roseberry, former Durham, Middlesex and England A cricketer, and now managing director of Roseberry Leisure, owners of Rainton Meadows Suites, came up with the idea of The Night of All Knights. He said: “None of us can ignore the devastating impact of cancer and The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is a great cause for the North East.”
Sir Bobby said he hoped “between £50,000 and £100,000” would be raised from The Night of all Knights, which includes a five-course dinner and champagne reception and auction.
Dress code is black tie and tickets are on sale now priced at £1,500 for a table of ten, £1,800 for a table of 12 and premium seating also available. For further information or to reserve a table, call (0191) 584 8630.
:: For previous stories about Sir Bobby Robson's charity mission, click the links below
Sir Bobby tells why he's raising £500,000
Cats pledge to back Sir Bobby's battle
Beckham backs Sir Bobby's fund
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