ANT AND DEC BACK BOBBY BIKE BID

Geordie royalty Ant and Dec have raced to back former Toon favourite Robbie Elliott in his bid to Bike For Bobby.

This autumn Elliott will cycle 3,500 miles from Lisbon to Tyneside raising funds for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

And Dec said: “We were huge fans of Sir Bobby Robson and were lucky enough to meet him and get to know him. 

“He was a great man and his charity continues to do amazing things in his name, which is what he wanted.”

Ant added: “Unfortunately everyone is affected by cancer at some point in their lives in one way or another. 

“We really admire Robbie’s commitment to raising funds to fight cancer and wish him the very best of luck with Bike For Bobby.”

Earlier this month Elliott came through his first 120-mile ride from Edinburgh to Newcastle alongside fellow Bike For Bobby rider Phil Gray.

“I was a little saddle sore but it wasn’t as bad as I’d anticipated,” said the former Newcastle, Sunderland, Bolton and Hartlepool favourite.

“The thing is I have to do that kind of distance every day for more than three weeks during Bike For Bobby!

“To have the likes of Ant and Dec in my corner is a massive boost. I’ve known the pair of them for years but it’s still incredibly kind of them to support me at this time.”

To make a donation to Bike For Bobby text TREF03 to 70070. For further details on the event and to check out a new video teaser visit www.robbieelliottfoundation.com

SCHOOL FUND-RAISERS RAISE OVER £10,000

                  
Pupils at a North Tyneside School have raised an incredible £10,588 for north east cancer charity the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Last year, George Stephenson High School in Killingworth nominated the Foundation as its charity of the year and raised the money through a variety of fund-raising activities.

Alan Shearer, a Patron of the charity, sent a personal message of thanks and signed achievement certificates for pupils to recognise the school’s magnificent fund-raising efforts.

Alan says: “I was hugely impressed to hear about the commitment and enthusiasm both staff and pupils at George Stephenson High School showed towards the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“When Sir Bobby launched this charity back in 2008 he created something very special.  Representing the Foundation as a Patron is something I take great pride in and never more so than when I hear about dedicated fund-raisers like this.

“To have raised this amount of money is an enormous achievement and everyone involved should be very proud of their efforts.”

Liz Luff from the Foundation collected the cheque and presented certificates to pupils who had been singled out as particularly committed to the fund-raising efforts.

Activities were undertaken throughout the year including supermarket bag packing, non-uniform days, sponsored games, tuck shops, raffles, cake sales, car washing, a fun run, golf day and a charity game-show night.

Head teacher, Ian Wilkinson, says raising money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was a very positive experience and one which the whole school are proud of.

He says: “We are very proud of our students raising so much money for a fantastic cause. It’s great that they are so willing to get involved and give up so much of their time in order to help others less fortunate than themselves.

“We really appreciate Alan sending a message of thanks and signing the certificates to recognise their achievement.”

Kelly Scott, aged 15 from Burradon, is one of the pupils who helped raise the money. 

She says: “The whole school voted on the charity we wanted to support and I chose the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation because my aunt has cancer.

“Everyone was really enthusiastic about the fund-raising and the non-uniform days went down especially well.  Probably because we sold cakes and sweets at break time.”

FOOTBALL ARTWORK UNVEILED AT REGIONAL CANCER CENTRE

A new football themed permanent exhibition was opened yesterday (Thursday 12th July) at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care (NCCC), Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.

The photography exhibition will enhance the corridor which leads to the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and has been funded by law firm Ward Hadaway, Sintons Solicitors and the charity Football Aid, Field of Dreams.

'The Football Corridor’ is a series of photographic montages capturing historic football moments as well as more recent events for the region’s clubs.  The images reflect the passion for the game in the north of England and were donated by local media and football clubs.

In addition to Middlesbrough FC, Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United, the exhibition covers 14 north East and Cumbrian clubs from Workington to Bishop Auckland, Dunston to Blyth and Carlisle to Hartlepool.  It also features Sir Bobby's Ipswich Town and England highlights and has been created by NCCC arts advisor Germaine Stanger.

Germaine has been involved in art in hospitals since leaving Northern Arts to become a freelance arts consultant.  Her work has covered many projects in connection with marketing the arts to a wider public and creating opportunities for organisations to incorporate the arts into their projects.

Germaine says: “I’m thrilled to see The Football Corridor come to fruition alongside the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.

“Sir Bobby was proud to receive his treatment at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care and contributed so much to help other people with cancer by setting up his Foundation.

“The Football Corridor is in tribute to him and designed to visually express this region’s passion for the game.

“I gained a great respect for football photography during its creation.  Some photographers manage to catch, in just a split second, balanced compositions full of incredible energy and emotion.  I hope they will interest patients and their families for years to come.”

Patients attend the NCCC for specialist cancer treatment from across the north east and Cumbria.  Fittingly, The Football Corridor is located just outside the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and Lady Elsie Robson was among guests attending the launch.

Lady Elsie says: “Bob received excellent care at the Freeman Hospital and he was so proud when the new cancer trials centre was named in his honour.

“The Football Corridor is a wonderful idea and looks great.  Like so many people, I’ve experienced that draining feeling of repeated hospital visits and the worry that goes along with them.  Anything which gives patients and their families something to interest them as they walk through the hospital has to be a good thing.

“Germaine’s done a great job bringing together the images and it was good of her and the hospital to invite me to be part of their exhibition opening.”

FIVE DAYS, 123 MILES, A STORM, A BIRTHDAY AND A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

Stephen Turnbull, from Acomb near Hexham, was tormented for years by the map of northern England on his office wall.

The route from Whitehaven to Tynemouth ‘screamed out’ at him to be run until eventually his family’s experiences with cancer pushed him to undertake the challenge to raise funds in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

It took him five days to complete the 123 mile run, during which time he weathered a massive storm, celebrated his 46th birthday and proposed to his girlfriend.

Stephen says: “It’s hard to explain but that map on the office wall has distracted me for ages.  Thinking about doing that coast to coast run just wouldn’t go away.

“Finally I decided to do it because of what cancer has done to my family.  My aunt died from breast cancer, my cousin died aged just 29 and my mum is fighting liver cancer now.  I wanted to do something for them and for other people fighting this terrible disease and finally thought enough is enough, it’s time to stop thinking about it and actually do it.

“I’m a football coach and big fan of Sir Bobby Robson and I immediately thought of raising money for his Foundation.  Cancer was the reason I undertook the challenge and Sir Bobby was the inspiration.” 

Stephen, an IT sales manager and coach of Hexham Greens FC, was supported on his run by girlfriend Helen Hails who followed in a car.

Stephen adds: “I couldn’t have done this without Helen’s help.  The day of the big storm was hilarious.  I just got so wet it was funny.

“The final day was amazing.  I ran 35 miles, which was the furthest I ever have, and was just getting slower and slower. Thinking about my family, Sir Bobby and the people backing me for his charity really helped.

“My head was so full up.  It was my last day and I knew my mum and family would be at the beach, it was also my birthday and I knew I was going to propose to Helen.  But when I got the Tynemouth I was so exhausted all I could think was, I can’t believe the flaming tide’s out, now I’ve got another couple of hundred yards to run!

“Helen came down to the sea with me and I got down on one knee to propose.  Thankfully she said yes and the first thing she did as my fiancé was to help me get back up.

“It was an incredibly tough challenge and for my next birthday I think I’ll just eat some cake.  But I enjoyed it a lot and the money raised made it all worthwhile.  It was an unforgettable experience.”

Stephen’s target for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was £500 and he has gone on to raise over £1,500.

The money will directly benefit people in the north east and Cumbria fighting cancer and will contribute to the international search for more effective treatments for the disease.

Pauline Buglass, head of fund-raising for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, says: “Stephen’s efforts for the Foundation are greatly appreciated.

“He’s taken on an incredibly hard challenge and seen it through to the end.  He should be very proud of his achievement and we’re very grateful to him and everyone who has sponsored him.”

Stephen’s JustGiving page is at www.justgiving.com/run4sirbobby.

CYCLE, SWIM AND RUN GEORDIES RUN!

A former Newcastle United favourite is teaming up with one of the north east’s best-loved charity champions to prepare for an epic journey this autumn.

Ex-Magpies defender Robbie Elliott is cycling across Europe and the UK in October as he embarks on Bike For Bobby.

Elliott and friend Phil Gray will cycle 3,500 miles non-stop visiting all of the clubs Sir Bobby Robson managed during a celebrated coaching career.

And next month the duo will join Mark Allison – better known as Run Geordie Run – in an event hand-picked to prepare Elliott for his fundraising marathon.

The trio will compete in the 2012 Castles Challenge Triathlon on July 28-29 with Allison running, Elliott cycling and Gray swimming.

“I follow Robbie on Twitter and as someone who’s undertaken a big challenge in the past it’s great to see his journey taking place,” said Allison, who will embark on his own marathon trek across Australia next year.

“The fact that he started out as a footballer and now he’s attempting to become an endurance cyclist is fascinating. He’s seeing the miles building up and the event drawing closer and I’m right behind him all of the way.

“I like following lots of people’s journeys on Twitter and Robbie’s is one of them. It’s a bit different, very ambitious and a great journey to follow.”

It was only after a meeting with Allison that Elliott decided to set up The Robbie Elliott Foundation (TREF) and raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer through Bike For Bobby.

And Allison added: “The fact that I inspired him to do Bike For Bobby is really humbling and I was very flattered when he asked me to be part of his team for the Castles Challenge. I’ll be looking at doing the run in around one hour 50 minutes and I’m sure he could have found someone faster!

“But it’s come full circle. It was after I met him following my trek across America that he decided he wanted to do something big for charity and a year down the line we’re back together doing an event to promote Bike For Bobby.

“And it’s extra special for me as I spent my summer holidays as a child under the shadow of Bamburgh and Alnwick castles. It will bring the memories flooding back and I can’t wait to get going.”

Former England Under 21 defender Elliott, who played for Newcastle during two spells at St James’s Park, is proud to have Allison on his team.

“Mark is a big part of why I’m doing Bike For Bobby and he’s supported me every step of the way,” said the Gosforth-born strength and conditioning coach.

“When I saw what he had done and how much money he had raised I felt genuinely moved. I’d always wanted to do something similar and he gave me the inspiration to launch my Foundation and embark upon Bike For Bobby.”

This is the fourth year of the Castles Challenge Triathlon but for the first time there will be Junior Triathlons and a Sprint Distance Triathlon on the Saturday, which will start and finish at Bamburgh.

The race on the Sunday – featuring Elliott and Allison - will become a Middle Distance (Half Iron) Race and follow the same format as in previous years starting at Bamburgh and finishing at Alnwick Castle.

Junior races will take place on the Saturday lunchtime with the Adult Sprint Racing taking place at 5pm followed by a post race presentation party.

Organisers have promised a packed programme of activities with food and entertainment throughout the weekend.

To back Bike For Bobby text TREF03 to 70070 and make your donation or visit www.robbieelliottfoundation.com

For more information on the 2012 Castles Triathlon visit www.castlestriathlon.co.uk

NEWCASTLE UNITED TERRACE FAVOURITE RAISES FUNDS TO FIGHT CANCER

It’s a classic Tyneside anthem celebrating its 150th anniversary, today (9th June) and the Blaydon Races is also helping to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation thanks to local band The Longsands.

The popular Cramlington group released their own version of the song in aid of the cancer charity raising a massive £1,235.

Lead singer, Trevor Cox, presented a cheque for the money raised to football legend Alan Shearer, a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, who officially named an East Coast train ‘Blaydon Races’ this week.

Trevor says: “As a group we wanted to do something to help the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and this seemed like a very appropriate way to do it.

“Everyone knows someone affected by cancer and it’s important to keep funding research which will help make the disease a thing of the past.

“We’re proud to be involved and grateful to all our fans who helped by buying the Blaydon Races single.”

150th anniversary celebrations of the Blaydon Races will be in full swing on the 9th June, including the famous Blaydon Race. 

A host of events are planned including a five-a-side football competition, The Blaydon Races 150 Tournament, organised by Craig Ball, from Medburn, near Ponteland, in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

FOOTBALL FUND-RAISING HELPS FIGHT CANCER THIS SUMMER

With Euro 2012 and the Olympics coming up, this summer offers a feast of football for spectators. 

And for football fans who want to take a more active part in the game, there are two opportunities to play and help the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in the coming weeks.

Craig Ball, from Northumberland, and Ian Carr, from Gateshead, have both organised five-a-side football competitions in aid of the charity in June and July and jointly aim to raise funds to fight cancer while promoting the five-a-side form of the game.

Craig’s competition, The Blaydon Races 150 Tournament, is open to men’s and women’s teams and will be held at Complete Football in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, on 9th June.

Craig says: “Initially I chose the 9th June for the competition because it’s the first weekend of Euro 2012 and thought it would be a good way to ‘warm up’ for the tournament.

“I’ve just returned to the north east from working in South Korea for a few years and when someone pointed out the significance of that date I decided to get involved with the Blaydon Races 150th anniversary too. 

“We’re all looking forward to the football, raising some money for a really important cause and celebrating the Blaydon Races’ heritage too.”

Ian Carr is becoming a veteran Sir Bobby Robson Foundation fund-raiser and this is the fourth year he and his colleague Neal Eddy have organised the Robson 5s tournament held at Soccerworld, West Road Newcastle.

This years’ event is being held on 1 July and is once again open to men’s, women’s and junior teams and is being supported by players from across the region.

Ian says: “Every year we’ve had teams made up of Newcastle, Boro and Sunderland supporters, which adds to the competitive feel of the day and this time we’ve got our first Cumbrian entry with a team coming from Carlisle.

“The tournament’s always played in a great spirit and is a lot of fun but when local pride is at stake you know the teams are going to be trying their best.

“It’s important for us to feel we’re doing our bit to help the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation through the competition.  Feedback about the day, and giving five-a-side players the chance to support the Foundation, is always good and we’re hoping this year will be another special event.”

Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in 2008 and it has gone on to raise £4,095,264 to help find more effective treatments for cancer.

It funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that directly benefit cancer patients from across the north east and Cumbria, and which contribute significantly to research into the disease.

Professor Ruth Plummer was Sir Bobby’s oncologist and is director of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and a trustee of the Foundation.

Commenting from the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO) in Chicago, USA, where she is involved in presentations about trials work being done at the Sir Bobby Robson Centre in partnership with trials units at Royal Marsden, Cambridge, Beatson Glasgow, Christie Manchester, Leeds, Oxford, and Kings London, Professor Plummer says: “Clinicians like myself who work directly with patients see the benefits of the Foundation first hand and on a daily basis. 

“It’s making a huge difference to the lives of people fighting cancer and that’s exactly what Sir Bobby hoped would happen when he set up this charity.  We’re understanding more about cancer as a disease as research progresses and this is leading to new treatments being developed, which really help patients battle this terrible disease.

“The work we’ve funded through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and the work we’re looking at funding in the near future, is completely dependent on money raised through events like those being organised by Craig and Ian.

“We’re very grateful to all our fund-raisers and everyone who has made a donation to support our work.”

Further information about The Blaydon Races 150 Tournament on 9th June can be found at www.justgiving.com/euro2012sbrf, while information about the Robson 5s can be found at www.therobsonfives2012.co.uk.