Football legends unite to support launch of Sir Bobby Robson public campaign

Fundraising for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute,  has entered a crucial final phase – with football stars gathered at the Tyneside Cinema for a screening of the acclaimed documentary Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager.

Ahead of the screening, host Justin Lockwood chaired a discussion with Shola Ameobi and Foundation Patron Steve Harper, both of whom played under Sir Bobby. The audience featured a host of North East football legends, including Les Ferdinand and Kevin Ball, as well as Sir Bobby’s family and friends.

Supporters new and old heard an update on the Sir Bobby Robson Institute project from Mark Robson, Chair of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and got an exclusive first look at a campaign video presented by Shola Ameobi.

Ex-Newcastle United star and now Head of Corporate Affairs at the club, Shola and broadcasting legend, Gabby Logan have given their support by presenting the campaign video and radio launch ads aimed at inspiring the public to donate the final funds required to build and fit out the Institute.

Funded by The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, construction of the £30m institute began earlier this year on the site of the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle. The campaign is now entering the final phase and asking for the public to help with the final £500,000 needed.

When completed, it will enable ground-breaking cancer treatment that will directly benefit around 3.5 million people living in the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire, as well as making a global impact.

Gabby and Shola are the latest names to join ‘Sir Bobby’s last and greatest team’ to back a campaign that has attracted national attention. They join a long list of campaign supporters including philanthropists, donors, community fundraisers, businesses as well as trusts and foundations.

Teri Bayliss, Director of Newcastle Hospitals Charity said “We’re so grateful to Shola and Gabby for giving their time and energy to this campaign. We have been overwhelmed with support from the sporting world – the love and respect for Sir Bobby is so strong. His mission to help tackle cancer resonates with every one of us so we’re excited to hear from the public as they raise funds for this final, critical phase.”

Learn more about the Sir Bobby Robson Institute and how to support the future of cancer research here.