Praise contines to flood in for Sir Bobby Robson
Mar 11 2009 by Paul Lorraine and Jo Butcher, The Journal
David Stonehouse, chief executive of IT company the TSG Group, wrote: “Sir Bobby is one of the most respected people that I’ve had the pleasure to know. His drive, ambition, honesty and integrity have gained him international respect in football and way beyond.
“He’s an iconic figure for both young and old – and we’re lucky he’s a Geordie!
“Setting the goal for his Foundation typifies the drive and selfless ambition he has shown in over 50 years of unprecedented success in football.
“Managing to raise over £1.2m in less than a year shows the respect we all have for him and what he stands for. A truly great gentleman – and someone the North East can be really proud to call one of their own.”
Carole Beverley, chief executive The Entrepreneurs Forum and a member of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Committee, said it was a privilege to work with the former footballer.
“In setting up the Foundation Bobby stepped into unfamiliar territory – but the passion, drive and ability to motivate those around him that made him one of the most successful English managers of all time has seen the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation achieve monumental success,” she wrote. “To take on this challenge is a mark of his honour and integrity – and quite rightly, it has kept him in the public eye. But it’s also shown that’s where he should be and that he’s never far from the thoughts of those whom he’s given so much enjoyment throughout his career.
“His friends and supporters cross all footballing, sporting and geographic boundaries – none more so than the footballing rivalries in the North East.
“So when the chairmen and managers of Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough joined 1,000 others for a fundraising dinner at St James’s Park it was really no surprise, Sir Bobby is revered and welcomed wherever he goes.
“Sir Bobby is the ultimate role model and even at the lowest points in his own personal struggle with cancer he remains selfless and generous – he is a precious, iconic, made in the North East gentleman and we should applaud and remember him for a long time to come.”
