Magpies fans back Sir Bobby’s legacy

Supporters have shown their support for one of the North East’s most revered footballing figures with a significant donation to the development of a new cancer research facility that bears his name.

Newcastle United Supporters Trust, which has over 13,500 members across 35 countries, has donated £59,000 to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, contributing towards the construction of the Sir Bobby Robson Institute at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

The funding, raised through the Trust’s 1892 Pledge Fund, is among the first contributions specifically allocated to the new facility, which will serve as a leading cancer drug trials centre for the region.

Construction of the £30 million institute has recently begun and, once complete, it is expected to expand clinical trial capacity by 50 per cent over five years. 

The development will build on the work already carried out at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre on the same site.

Artist's impression of The Sir Bobby Robson Institute

Lisa Mole and Felicity Thow, chair and vice chair, respectively, of Newcastle United Supporters Trust respectively, recently visited the Sir Bobby Robson Centre to find out more about the clinical trials work being undertaken there. 

Lisa said: “It’s really amazing to see the centre as it currently is. 

“It’s allowed us to appreciate the in-depth knowledge held here, and to learn what’s happening in terms of trials and treatment in our region.

“We were interested to hear about Sir Bobby’s experiences on a clinical trial of a new cancer drug and to find out more about the people who have been helped since then.

“The scale of things is eye-opening and the fact that it will all increase when the new Institute opens, and that even more people will be helped with more trials, is so positive.

“As a collective, we’re really proud to play even a little part in that process and I know all our members are backing our decision to support making the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a reality.

"As a Trust, we’re really looking forward to seeing this donation from our members put into action. 

“It’s exciting to know it will play a part in bringing the new institute to life and helping even more people through the work that will be done here.”

Professor Ruth Plummer, director of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, added: “It was a pleasure to meet with Lisa and Felicity and to chat about the difference the new institute will make to cancer patients.

“I’m sure Sir Bobby would be extremely proud that we still have such amazing support from football fans and to know that members of Newcastle United Supporters Trust are backing this ambitious new project.”

The new institute aims to support advances in cancer treatment, benefiting around 3.5 million people across the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire, while also contributing to global research efforts.

Fundraising for the project is ongoing ahead of its planned completion next year.

For Sir Bobby Robson Institute fundraising enquiries please contact Kate Bradley Kate.bradley14@nhs.net or call 0191 213 7235.

For more information about The Sir Bobby Robson Institute, visit www.sirbobbysgreatestteam.co.uk.

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