We are so fortunate to have the faithful backing of so many supporters from the world of sport, politics, the charity sector, the NHS and many more. From fundraisers to volunteers, to patrons and members of staff, there is a lot of love out there for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Apologies to those we haven’t featured, while not all contributions are shown, every supporter is central to the success of the Institute.
Here are the words of some of those individuals.
This project powerfully delivers on our national ambition to expand and accelerate access to clinical trials across the NHS. By embedding research directly into patient care and creating a world-class environment for cancer trials in the North East, it supports our drive to ensure every patient has the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge research, regardless of postcode. I fully endorse this campaign and its role in helping us realise a more innovative, inclusive, and research-active health service.
Sir James Mackey Chief Executive, NHS England
The Sir Bobby Robson Institute represents a vital step forward for cancer research in the North East. By accelerating innovation and expanding access to cutting-edge treatments, it has the power to transform outcomes and save lives.
Michelle Mitchell OBE Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Research UK
I’ve been a Patron of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation since 2009 and, over the years, I’ve met a lot of cancer patients who are benefitting from the work it funds. The planned Sir Bobby Robson Institute will enable a massive increase in drug trials and vital cancer treatment and research. For me, the thing that’s not possible to put on to paper is the increase in hope it will also bring. Cancer drug trials give us all hope, and when you’re looking into the face of someone you love who has cancer you know just how precious that hope is. The Sir Bobby Robson Institute is a hugely important project for me and I know the need is there for it, we just have to make it happen. Sir Bobby would expect nothing less from us all.
Alan Shearer ex-Newcastle United and England Footballer
The current Sir Bobby Robson Unit offers new innovative experimental cancer treatments to patients who may benefit from a personalised, targeted therapy or patients who may have no further treatment options. I have a long list of patients who are on the waiting list, most of whom are desperate to be offered a trial. Unfortunately, some of the patients become too unwell while they are waiting. To promptly meet the needs of these patients we need to be able to open many more trials but this requires more space and a larger clinical and non-clinical team.
Helen Chambers Senior Oncology Research Sister, Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre
As North East Mayor, I am proud to offer my full support for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation’s ambitious campaign to build the Sir Bobby Robson Institute. The Sir Bobby Robson Institute is the perfect fit to complement our region’s aim of developing emerging technologies to drive economic growth through investment in science and healthcare. However, this campaign is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about hope, innovation, and collaboration. It will create a centre of excellence that serves as a beacon for our region and beyond, aligning with my commitment to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities.
Kim McGuinness North East Mayor
