Heartfelt messages flood in for ‘wor Bobby’
Feb 24 2009 by James Marley, The Journal
HEARTFELT messages from across the globe have been sent to Sir Bobby Robson following the opening of his new cancer centre.
From Australia to Iraq, people worldwide have been touched by Sir Bobby’s inspirational determination, which has seen him raise an amazing £1.2m for the research centre at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Now you have been telling the football knight exactly how much he means to you, via The Journal’s new "Dear Sir Bobby" section.
All the comments will be combined into a special book which will be presented to the Newcastle United legend.
And in just the first 24 hours, messages flooded in from across the world, including Korea, Australia, India, Singapore, Grand Cayman, and California.
Within Europe, respects have been paid by people in Germany, France, Belgium, and Ireland. Stevie Lambert, a soldier based in Baghdad, wrote: "As a Geordie and Newcastle fan working overseas in Iraq for the last few years, and as a serving soldier for many years before, I’d just like to thank Bobby for giving lads like me something to look forward too each Saturday afternoon and restoring the pride of years gone by."
A message from Keith Robinson, of Queensland, Australia, reads: "Dear Sir Bobby I would just like to add a note to let you know of my family’s admiration for your tremendous efforts and incredible achievements, which we follow from Australia."
Many of Sir Bobby’s greatest admirers are people whose lives have already been touched by cancer.
Among the touching tributes, is a message from Mal Fletcher of Blaydon, whose wife Maureen died of cancer.
He writes: "My wife and I met him on a number of occasions as we waited for the team coach at away games. My wife unfortunately has passed away now but always remembered and commented on Sir Bobby’s kind comments when she met him, and the kind letter she received from him with a shirt signed by the whole team, when she had a lengthy spell in hospital.
"Well done Sir Bobby, and may you gain strength and determination from these comments in your individual fight."
