Boro chairman Steve Gibson to be Sir Bobby charity patron

Feb 15 2010 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

A CANCER foundation set up by the late Sir Bobby Robson has signed up Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson to act as its patron.

Mr Gibson will act as Teesside ambassador for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation on Teesside while former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer promotes the charity on Tyneside.

Sir Bobby’s son Andrew said his father would be “delighted” to see Mr Gibson take up the fundraising baton alongside the St James’ Park legend.

Speaking at a special event at the Riverside Stadium before Middlesbrough’s game against Peterborough on Saturday, Mr Robson, 50, of Tynemouth, said: “Middlesbrough Football Club has been a great supporter of the charity from day one.

“My dad was a very regular visitor to the Riverside Stadium and had a very high regard for the club and Steve Gibson.”

Sir Bobby began his footballing career at Fulham but it could have easily begun on Teesside, where he had a trial with Middlesbrough in 1948.

Following his death last July after a long battle with cancer, Sir Bobby’s family vowed to continue the foundation’s work in his honour and enlisted North East sports stars to represent him.

The former England and Newcastle manager’s widow, Lady Elsie, asked Mr Gibson to act on Sir Bobby’s behalf at official engagements and fundraisers on Teesside.

Lady Elsie said: “Steve agreeing to become our Teesside Patron means a great deal.