Sir Bobby Robson ends year in style

Jan 2 2009 by Paul James, The Journal

SIR Bobby Robson ended 2008 in style at a sell-out fundraising event for his cancer charity in Durham.

The football legend and his wife Lady Elsie joined nearly 250 guests and North East girl band Bad Lashes at the Crystal Ball, the New Year’s Eve fundraiser in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation at the new Radisson SAS Hotel.

The event capped a hugely successful year for the charity, which has raised more than £1m since it was launched in March to help fight cancer in the region.

Sir Bobby said: “The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has been a huge part of my life in 2008. So it seemed appropriate to end the year here at the Crystal Ball surrounded by so many supporters of my charity.

“I’m very proud to say we’ve already raised more than £1m to fight cancer in the North East, including setting up a new Cancer Trials Research Centre, but we need to do more to help the experts beat this terrible disease.

“Fundraising events like this are a huge help and, of course, the very many £5, £10 and £20 donations have really made a difference for us. I’m extremely grateful and you can be sure that my wife, Lady Elsie, and I will ensure every single penny is put to the very best use. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers of the Crystal Ball and wish all the generous supporters of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation a happy, prosperous and healthy new year.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has already raised enough money to set up the Cancer Trials Research Centre which will treat patients from across the region when it opens later this month.

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

:: For previous stories on Sir Bobby’s charity feats, go to www.journallive.co.uk/sirbobby