Bobby Robson's fund on course to top £1m
Nov 1 2008 by Neil McKay, The Journal
SIR Bobby Robsons Night of the Knights raised a whopping s185,000 with more money expected to come in.
And the bumper haul from Thursday nights spectacular event in Houghton-le-Spring means the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation had topped the magical million pounds mark.
Organisers last night hailed the total raised at the glittering black-tie function as phenomenal.
They went into the Night of the Knights with s850,000 already banked, meaning s150,000 was needed to double the figure Sir Bobby initially planned to raise when he launched the charity in March.
Tickets sold out quickly for the extravaganza at Rainton Meadows Suites, with some of the cream of North East football stars among the guests.
The Night of the Knights, one of the most high-profile celebrity events held in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, was attended by not only the former England and Newcastle boss, but also Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Former England captains Bryan Robson and Alan Shearer were also present.
Simply Reds Mick Hucknall topped the bill of live performers, while Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, the Durham School Big Band, Middlesbrough pop duo Journey South and Consett-born opera singer Graeme Danby were on hand, joined by hundreds of well-wishers and admirers of Sir Bobby, all determined to do their bit to support his cause.
The 75-year-old former Newcastle manager launched his foundation in March in the hope of raising s500,000 to set up a centre for the early detection and treatment of cancer.
He is fighting the disease for the fifth time. Speaking before the event he said he was determined to enjoy life as much as possible and said he was feeling well, although he admitted courses of radiotherapy had caused him to lose most of his hair.
One thousand tickets at s150 per head were sold for Night of the Knights, while funds from the raffle, tombola, sponsors and donations boosted the total further.
The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre will be built at the new Northern Centre for Cancer Care, at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. It will feature research facilities, a 12-bed unit with treatment rooms, laboratory and consulting facilities. It will treat its first patients from January.
To make a donation to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, visit www.justgiving.com/thesirbobbyrobsonfoundation or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton, Newcastle, NE7 7QG.
