The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is a cancer research charity based in the North East England, United Kingdom, named after Sir Bobby Robson, himself a cancer sufferer five times since 1992. The Foundation was launched on 25 March 2008, and raises money to fund the early detection and treatment of cancer, and clinical trials of anti cancer drugs.
The initial goal of the Foundation was to raise £500,000 to fund equipment for a cancer research centre being built in the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, to be named The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre. Once this was secure, the Foundation would turn its attention to funding other cancer related projects in the North East of England. The Foundation raised £260,000 in just over two weeks. By November 2008 it had raised over £1 million, double the initial funding target of £500,000 set in February, which itself was passed in just eight weeks.
The Foundation had its origins in a wish by Sir Bobby on the eve of his 75th birthday to leave behind a legacy for future cancer victims in the North East and give something back to the NHS in return for the care he had received in his own battles against cancer. In February 2007 Robson had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and had begun chemotherapy treatment to keep it under control.Robson had initially been reluctant to use his name to raise money, but did so invoking the Geordie idiom, "Shy bairns (children) get nothing".
The foundation is a UK registered charity, and is based in Swalwell village, Tyne and Wear. The Foundation operates in an area stretching north to Northumbria, south to Sunderland, and west to Cumbria, and supports the activities of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Foundation is registered with the Charity Commission as the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Charity.
Charity Match England XI v Germany XI
The Sir Bobby Robson Trophy game will take place on July 26 at St James's Park, with an England side coached by the ex-Newcastle United boss.
Players from England's 1990 squad including Gazza and Peter Shilton have already agreed to turn out in a rematch of the dramatic World Cup defeat to Germany.
The match is being played to raise money for North East cancer charity, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which was launched last year and has raised more than £1.2m.
Paul Gascoigne, Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle, Des Walker, Paul Parker, Steve Hodge and Peter Shilton will be joined on Sir Bobby's team sheet by Les Ferdinand, John Beresford and Rob Lee.
Tickets for the match, at £10 for adults and £5 for children, are available from www.nufc.co.uk or (0844) 372 1892.
Alan Shearer to Lead The Line
Alan Shearer said to nufcTV
"Sunday will be a great day and I'm looking forward to being part of it. It will be very special to play in front of a crowd at St James' Park again.Bobby really deserves this match after everything he's done. I feel I owe him a personal debt. When he came in as Newcastle manager he got me enjoying football again and playing the way I can.
He helped me when I needed it and I'm very happy to help him now. There are men and there are real men. I think you know which he is. What he's done, what he's achieved and what he's going through - he's incredible. I think the charity is his greatest legacy. You can see what this means to him and how hungry he is for it to be a success, which without doubt it is. He's very proud of it and so he should be.
He's going through a tough time but he doesn't want people to feel sorry for him. He's getting out there and wants to leave a legacy which people can use. His charity and what it's achieved already is amazing. All through him. He's a great man and deserves this special night. He's an inspiration to everyone."
Sir Bobby Said of Alan Shearer:
Sir Bobby said to nufcTV
"I'm so very grateful to Alan for playing in my game on Sunday. It will be a real pleasure to watch him play again. He's going to be playing alongside his old strike partners Ferdinand and Sheringham.
The German defence will be getting more and more concerned won't they? With Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, Paul Gascoigne, Les Ferdinand, Teddy Sheringham, John Barnes, David Platt - we've got plenty of goal scoring options with that line up. He has a strong, competitive character and like Peter Beardsley I've no doubts he will be giving his all, charity game or not.
Les Ferdinand Said of Alan Shearer
Les Ferdinand said to nufcTV
"I can't wait to be re-united with Alan up front - its going to be an amazing and emotional night for Sir Bobby and one that all the lads wouldn't miss for anything. Shearer and Sir Bobby back at St James will raise the roof and bring back memories of the good times"
Tickets and Donations
Tickets for the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy are available via Newcastle United's Box Office 0844 372 1892 website www.nufc.co.uk or through www.ticketmaster.co.uk and cost £10 for adults and £5 for children.
To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information on The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, please visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.
NUFC Statement 25th July, 2009
Newcastle United would like to address a matter in relation to this weekend's Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match at St.James' Park which has been the subject of press enquiry during recent days. Match organisers Toast, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Newcastle United have worked collectively for a number of months in putting together plans for Sunday's charity game. An agreement was reached between the three parties that, following the event, Newcastle United would be reimbursed in relation to the costs it incurs in staging the game i.e. Police, ambulance, stewards etc. This is indeed standard practice for any outside event staged at St.James' Park. Newcastle United have also ensured that these costs have been kept to an absolute minimum in order to maximise the proceeds which go to charity.
Proceeds from the game will go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, a truly worthwhile cause which since its inception has had the full backing of Newcastle United Football Club. Sir Bobby has also kindly agreed to make a donation to the Newcastle United Foundation from the proceeds of Sunday's game. Newcastle United hope that Sunday's event is a tremendous success and that fans, players and Sir Bobby himself all enjoy a day to remember.