Sir Bobby reaches goal in record time

Aug 7 2008 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

SIR Bobby Robson has reached the first benchmark in his campaign to raise money for cancer sufferers in the region.

After only eight weeks of fundraising, the former Newcastle United manager was yesterday able to present the first cheque for £500,000, which will fund cancer research and clinical trials in the North East.

The presentation, held at the Copthorne Hotel on Newcastle’s Quayside, saw Sir Bobby, 75, hand over the cheque to Prof Ruth Plummer, from the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, based at Newcastle University.

The money donated by the Foundation will fund developments in the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, including new treatment rooms, a fully equipped research laboratory and consultation facilities, scheduled for completion by January 2009.

Despite suffering from laryngitis at the cheque presentation event, Sir Bobby thanked all the fundraisers for their efforts and the continued support of his charity. He said: “I’m extremely proud to hand over the first cheque on behalf of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, knowing that it will directly help experts like Prof Plummer battle this horrific disease.

“I’ve achieved many things during my career in football, won trophies, represented my country, received all kinds of wonderful awards and even been knighted, but I’m as proud of this achievement as I am of any other in my life.

“The money is largely from the people of the North East, and first and foremost it will benefit the people of the North East.”

Prof Plummer added: “The fantastic generosity of the people of the North East and the dedication of Sir Bobby and his team means that we have secured the funding we needed in an unbelievably short time.

“We can’t thank Sir Bobby enough for his outstanding work, he’s a wonderful man and a true gentleman.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was set up in March this year after Prof Plummer, who at the time was treating Sir Bobby during his fifth battle against cancer, asked him for a contact to contribute towards a new cancer trials research centre.

This prompted Sir Bobby to set up his foundation, which reached its first target of £500,000 after just eight weeks.

To donate to the foundation or for more information on future events, visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk