Generous Middlesbrough fans have raised an incredible £13,416.36 to fight cancer by playing football at the Riverside Stadium.
The charity match was the third organised in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation by Andy Clark, a national fuel manager from Billingham, bringing the total raised for the north east cancer charity to over £28,000.
Organised through the website of popular Middlesbrough fanzine Fly Me To The Moon, the game in May included ex Boro players Bernie Slaven, Craig Hignett, Colin Cooper, Marlon Beresford, Neil Maddison and Nicky Mohan. It attracted an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends who generated a lively atmosphere and went on to enjoy a post match celebration in the club’s Legend’s Lounge.
The match was strongly contested and the score after 90 minutes stood at 2-2 with goals from Neil Maddison and Eddie Woodall for the home side with Paul Kell and Johnathon Gallagher scoring for the away side.
The home side won the match on penalties after scoring an injury time equaliser after a dubious penalty decision threatened to leave them on the losing side, a fitting end to a keenly contested match.
Andy says: “it was a fantastic night that will live long in the memory of those involved thanks to the ex Boro players who came along to support the cause and the Boro fans groups Twe12th Man and Red Faction who gave fanatical vocal support from the stands.
“Last years’ match was a great success but this years’ match managed to top it and even beat total raised despite the current tough economic climate.
“Thanks must also go to Janice Foley for holding an art auction which helped boost the fundraising total by around £2,000 and local producer Nick Small who produced a commemorative DVD of the evening which raised several hundred pounds. Plans are already afoot to organise one final match to go out with a flourish!"
Andy and Rob Nichols, editor of Fly Me to the Moon, met with Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson to officially present the money raised.
Steve is a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which directly benefits cancer patients from across the north east and Cumbria.
Steve Gibson says: “Once again, this was a fantastic effort by a big-hearted group of Boro supporters.
"I was deeply touched when I was asked to be a patron of Sir Bobby's Foundation and I'm delighted Middlesbrough FC's involvement is already making a real difference in raising funds for such a wonderful cause."
