Fellow knights backing Sir Bobby Robson

Oct 29 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A GLITTERING array of guests will be attending Sir Bobby Robson’s Night of All Knights tomorrow.

Former England and Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby, the son of a miner from Langley Park, Durham, will be joined on stage by two other famous footballing knights – Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson – at Rainton Meadows Suites in Houghton-le-Spring, between Durham and Sunderland.

The event is in honour of Sir Bobby and to raise money to beat cancer. TV sports presenter Richard Keys will appear on stage with the three greats, talking about their careers in the beautiful game.

Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall will provide five-star entertainment, while North East opera singer and Newcastle United fanatic Graeme Danby will also sing a song written for Sir Bobby.

Tickets priced at £1,500 per table of 10 sold out within two weeks of The Journal announcing the black tie event in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Guests will include former Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer and current player Steven Taylor.

Organiser Michael Roseberry, the former captain of Durham County Cricket Club and now managing director of Roseberry Leisure, which owns Rainton Meadows, said: “We knew that this was likely to be a popular event, but to have sold out so quickly was simply amazing.

“The calibre of entertainment and guests attending has certainly proved a strong draw, but ultimately I think it is testament to Sir Bobby’s popularity.

“He’s doing something very special for the North East by raising money to help the experts beat cancer and I think people in this region appreciate his efforts and want to help. We’ve sold every seat for the event.”

The evening of music, sport and laughter includes a five-course dinner, champagne reception and an auction.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation will initially focus on the early detection and treatment of cancer and support clinical trials of promising treatments. Thanks to overwhelming support from the North East public, football fans, the region’s business community and contributions from Sir Bobby and his friends, it has already raised enough money to set up a cancer trials research centre in Newcastle which will treat patients from the region. The foundation is now working with regional cancer projects to identify priorities for funding.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or find out more about the foundation, visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk  or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton, Newcastle, NE7 7QG.

Each donor will receive a personalised certificate and a letter of thanks from Sir Bobby, who has been battling cancer since 1991.