Sir Bobby Robson's cancer centre opens

Feb 21 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

EMOTIONS ran high at the opening of Sir Bobby Robson’s cancer trials research centre.

The former Newcastle United and England boss was joined by current national team coach Fabio Capello for the unveiling of the Freeman Hospital unit.

Sir Bobby, who was not expected to make a speech, gave a long heartfelt address punctuated by moments of humour.

He even managed a joke about his ongoing fight since he was diagnosed with cancer last March, saying: “I have had longer than a Football League manager.”

And while Sir Bobby received a cheque for £75,000 from the Football Association, he also hailed the smaller contributions of the ordinary people of the region.

Declaring the centre officially open with his wife Lady Elsie by his side, Sir Bobby said: “I’m so delighted this day has arrived.

“It’s an important day, a historical day, for the people up here. We have had some nice donations from several of my friends and contacts and colleagues which has boosted the foundation.

“We have also had a lot of people, ordinary people – ‘Joe public’ – who have sent me fivers, tenners, cheques for £25, cheques for £75.

“We once got a cheque for £1,000, from people I don’t know.

“So they have contributed to this new building, not me, I have just used your money to put it where it should be.”

Based within the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital, the research unit will develop and test new cancer treatments. The new centre will bring together all the clinical research staff working to improve cancer treatments into one purpose-built unit.

Researchers will carry out trials of new drugs and offer patients access to early trials.

Sir Bobby said: “I’m very grateful to everybody for your generosity, for your kindness and, a word that I like to use, your faithfulness to the foundation and what it stands for.

“Through that commitment you have given us the chance to provide the North East with a wonderful centre which is not just the best in the UK but one of the best in Europe.

“Isn’t that a fantastic achievement for the people of the North East?”

Sir Bobby, who turned 76 earlier in the week, was presented with a birthday cake by his doctor, Prof Ruth Plummer.

Sir Len Fenwick, chief executive of Newcastle NHS Foundation Trust, was another to pay tribute to Sir Bobby’s efforts, calling the centre a “tremendous legacy”.

Meanwhile Former players Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley looked on as Sir Bobby blew out candles on his cake.

Mr Beardsley said: “The man is unbelievable.

“He knows the right words for the right occasion.

“He makes you feel 10 feet tall and when you hear him speak you don’t want him to stop. The man has an aura about him.”

Say 'Thank You' to Sir Bobby Robson

Sir Bobby Robson has touched the region with his charity exploits as he fights his own battle with illness.

Joined by current England manager Fabio Capello, the former national boss has now opened the cancer centre he raised more than £1m to build in under a year.

You can now say thank you to Sir Bobby for what he's done by clicking here.

Maybe you or a member of your family has been touched personally by his fundraising efforts.

Or you might just want to express your gratitude to the legendary manager for his North East fundraising drive.

Let us know by clicking on the link and telling us your story. We'll collate the list and pass them onto the great man himself.

Page 2: Shearer’s tribute to Bobby ‘the fighter’