About the Sir Bobby Robson Institute
What is the purpose of the capital appeal?
The appeal is raising funds to establish a world-leading cancer research and trials centre in Sir Bobby’s name, growing capacity to accelerate breakthrough treatments and improve patient outcomes.
How can I or my organisation contribute?
There are multiple ways to support, including individual philanthropy, corporate sponsorships, research partnerships, employee engagement initiatives, naming opportunities, nominating the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as your Charity of the Year and legacy giving.
We’d be happy to discuss how you can make a meaningful impact.
Are there naming opportunities for donors?
Yes, there are opportunities to name patient spaces, laboratories, and key facilities within the Institute to recognise significant contributions.
What happens if the fundraising target is exceeded?
If our appeal target is exceeded then the additional monies will be held by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, to fund projects that directly benefit cancer patients from the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
Interested in supporting our work?
Whether you’re considering supporting us as an individual, through a Trust or Foundation, or as a corporate organisation, we’d be delighted to talk to you.
Please contact:
Kate Bradley, Campaign Director – [email protected]
Or find out more about how you can fundraise here:
https://charity.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/get-involved/fundraising/
Where is the institute being built?
The Institute will be built at the Freeman Hospital, behind the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, adjacent to the cancer support centre, Maggie’s Newcastle.
Who will own and operate the Institute once it’s built?
The Institute will be owned and operated byThe Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and fully integrated into the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Freeman Hospital, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact for generations to come.
When will the Institute open?
Construction is scheduled to start in Spring 2026 with the opening planned for 2028.
Has there been a public consultation process about this project?
Neighbours adjacent to the build site have been consulted and invited to submit responses. The response to the proposal was overwhelmingly positive. Planning permission was granted by Newcastle City Council on 12 Dec 2025.
How will the Institute be funded after it opens?
Operating and staffing costs will be met through a combination of NHS funding, research grants and commercial clinical trial partnerships.
What types of research and trials will take place at the Institute?
The Institute will bring together the existing Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and the Oncology and Haematology Research Team.
This will create a world leading centre of excellence for early and late phase clinical trials covering the full range of solid and haematological malignancies ensuring access to novel therapies for patients throughout the whole northern region.
Who will benefit from the research and trials?
Patients from across North East England, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire, covering a population of 3.5m people, will have access to ground breaking trials, with findings helping to shape cancer treatment worldwide.
Will the Institute provide treatment for children?
Cancer trials and research at The Sir Bobby Robson Institute is for adults but future generations will benefit from breakthroughs in cancer treatment and drug discovery in the North East.
The Great North Children’s Hospital’s paediatric oncology unit at the RVI provides one of the leading services in the world for childhood cancer research, and is a key partner of the Wolfson Centre for Childhood Cancer at Newcastle University.
It includes a dedicated space for young people in the teenage cancer unit.
Will the Institute collaborate with other research institutions?
Yes, our world-leading clinical team will work closely with leading cancer centres in the UK and worldwide, driving innovation through partnerships in science, technology, and medicine. A significant partnership already exists with Newcastle University‘s Newcastle Centre for Cancer.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
We will provide regular updates through newsletters, events, and site visits for key supporters. Updates will also be provided here.
