Brave fundraiser Johnny Bliss loses battle with cancer

Mar 14 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

BRAVE Johnny Bliss’s wife last night paid tribute to “the most charismatic and wonderful man in the world” after he lost his battle with cancer.

He died peacefully at his home in Lambton, Washington, in the early hours of yesterday morning, surrounded by his family.

The 58-year-old father-of-two was suffering from pancreatic cancer and was given only three months to live more than seven months ago.

But he selflessly devoted his time and energy to raising money for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to help other cancer sufferers.

Mr Bliss struck up a friendship with Sir Bobby, raising thousands of pounds for the former Newcastle and England manager’s cancer charity.

Shiela Bliss, 55, said: “I’m a bit numb. It’s been a rollercoaster ride and for the last two weeks it’s been really traumatic because he’s been very sick.

“He slipped away very peacefully surrounded by his family, at home, which was the most important thing for me and for him.”

Mr Bliss’s fundraising efforts helped Sir Bobby raise more than £1.2m through his foundation – smashing the target of £500,000 the former Newcastle United boss set himself this time last year.

Although he was too ill to attend the launch of Sir Bobby’s Cancer Trials Research Centre at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital last month, Mr Bliss cried tears of pride when his wife recounted Sir Bobby’s speech, in which he heaped praise on him.