One of Sir Bobby's final acts brought happiness to youngsters

Oct 14 2009 The Journal

ONE of Sir Bobby Robson’s final acts on behalf of his charity was also one of his most enjoyable when he officially launched a new children’s waiting area at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care in Newcastle.

Funded through donations to the charity, the new waiting area cost £10,000 and contains a flat screen television, DVD player, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation, arts and crafts equipment and other games – all designed to distract children who have to visit the Centre for treatment.

Yesterday, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation released details of the visit.

Lady Elsie, who joined Sir Bobby at the launch, said: “It was a real pleasure to see this wonderful new facility open.

“Coming to hospital on a regular or even daily basis is not a pleasant experience but it’s particularly hard for children. Understandably they will be nervous about their treatment and it must be hard for them to understand what is happening and why.

“Speaking to the parents of some of the children receiving treatment here it’s clear this new waiting area has made a huge difference and I'm very proud that we were able to help.”