CHARITY RUNNER ‘RUN GEORDIE RUN’ OVER THE MOON DOWN UNDER

He began on 16 October and yesterday evening (4 January) Mark ‘Run Geordie Run’ Allison successfully completed his epic run across Australia for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Children’s Foundation.

The run is in partnership with the North East’s largest Motor Group, Benfield, and, to date, has raised over £50,000 for the two charities.

For 82 days, Mark has endured everything Australia could throw at him including extremes of temperature, incessant flies, brutal running surfaces, terrifying storms and dangerous roads. 

At one point it became too much to handle and he was forced to stop the run completely because of safety issues and the awful condition of his feet.  But his determination to succeed for the two charities, and to justify the incredible support he has received, brought about a change of mind.

Showing great courage, Mark rested his feet, changed his route to end at Shellharbour, not Bondi Beach as previously planned, and continued his coast to coast run.

Even then he would not have succeeded if the British Consulate General in Sydney, Nick McInnes, had not assisted in helping him change flights home to Newcastle and giving him an additional 24 hours to complete the challenge.

The last 23 miles of the run, including running along the beautiful but dangerous roads through the Macquarie Pass National Park, were completed just hours before his flight back to the UK.

Often sleeping in a baking hot RV, occasionally in a car, and frequently without amenities like shower facilities, Mark has kept going, running up to and over 40 miles in a day – he has covered a staggering 2,383 miles in total.

He trained hard, and prepared for heat, but the weather in Australia was so hot it was the subject of a Severe Weather Warning and melted the roads.  The melted tarmac caused gravel to stick in his trainers, creating a new problem for his ravaged feet.

Mark has previously run across America to raise money for charity but says nothing could have prepared him for this challenge.  The run has taken him to the edge physically, mentally and emotionally.

Mark ran straight into the Pacific Ocean when he reached Warilla Beach, Shellharbour and said: “I’m exhausted.  My feet are in bits but this ocean feels fantastic.  I’m going to enjoy a nice rest now. 

“Again, I finished this run with my mum and dad and my brother in mind.  This one’s for them.  It’s been incredibly tough.  But I made it.

“That was a really tough final day.  It’s such a great relief that I’ve not let the two charities down. The money’s coming in at an astonishing rate.  I’m really grateful for that and I’m sure the two charities are as well.

“It was such a difficult run.  Far more difficult than I could ever have imagined.  The physical battle I just about coped with.  The mental battle, however, was considerable. 

“It was such a relief to get my feet into the Pacific Ocean having left the Indian Ocean in Perth some 82 days ago.

“And it’s been an incredible journey of immense difficulty.  A journey which, many times, I didn’t want to complete.  No amount of charity money coming in was worth the pain that I felt, especially on the Nullarbor (Plain).  It was so difficult.

“But now, with the money rolling in for the two charities, and I’ve just reached the Pacific Ocean.  Would I do it all again?  Of course I would.  At the drop of a hat.  No doubt about it.  I’m not going to however!

“I’ve learned a lot.  I’ve learned a lot about myself.  I’ve learned a lot about this incredible country.  And it’s a beautiful country and one that you must respect.  If you don’t respect an environment such as this, it’s going to do you massive harm.  And I nearly came to that harm.

“But I can safely say now that I’ll take away the great bits, the victories that I had out here.  The fast miles, the climbs, the sweltering heat at 50 degrees Celsius.  Those are the memories that will live long.

“I’m just so relieved that I’m the first Geordie to ever run coast to coast across Australia, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

“It won’t sink in, just like the run across America, for quite some time what I’ve achieved here.  And thankfully, and most importantly, I haven’t let the two charities down.”

Mark lost both his parents to cancer when he was a young man and he has spent 20 years raising funds for good causes in the North East of England.  This run, like his previous challenges, was in their memory and has greatly benefited two charities which mean a lot to Mark.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was launched in 2008 to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer and Sir Bobby’s family have been keeping in close contact with Mark during the run.

Lady Elsie says: “We’re so proud of Mark and very pleased he’s safely completed this challenge.  It must have taken every single ounce of his strength.

“To have that kind of determination is incredible really.  It’s obviously been a real battle at times.  It must have taken so much out of him physically and mentally and I expect it will take him months to recover.

“He’s raised a huge amount of money for the two charities and we know that’s what has been keeping him going.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has donated and helped raise so much money.  It will be very well used helping people faced with the pain of cancer.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to Mark and everyone who has supported him on this run.  We wish him and Donna a safe trip home to Newcastle.”

Mark is an Ambassador for The Children’s Foundation and Libby Nolan, Fundraising Manager for the charity, says: “We are so extremely proud of our Ambassador. 

“He’s been through such a gruelling challenge which has seemed so much harder than anyone had expected.

“We want to thank everyone for their support and donations! We can't wait to hear all about Mark's journey and thank him by showing what a difference his fundraising will make to the children of the North East.”

For more information about Run Geordie Run Down Under with Benfield please visit www.rungeordierun.com and follow Mark on Twitter @RunGeordieRun.

If you would like to donate to the two charities, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/rungeordierun.

RUN GEORDIE RUN UPDATE

Mark Allison, Run Geordie Run, is now continuing with his run across Australia to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Children’s Foundation.

This was not planned and something Mark announced overnight via this Soundcloud link on Twitter – http://soundcloud.com/rungeordierun/it-aint-over-until-its-over#c=0&t=1%3A55.

Yesterday (27 December), Mark decided to stop the run on safety grounds as he was unable to reach Bondi Beach, Sydney, within the time available to him without running along a motorway in the dark.

It was an extremely difficult decision for him to take.  However, he woke up to many messages of support and the stark reality that his challenge was over.  He has therefore decided to continue but change the end point for the run. 

All being well, he will now finish at the coastal town of Shellharbour on 3 January.  The new end point will save around 40 miles off the previous route but, importantly, Mark will still have run across Australia – coast to coast.

He is still working out the finer details of the new route but it will require him to run around 140 miles - 90 on motorway (not in the dark) and 50 on safer roads.  

It also involves him running up Macquarrie Pass, which is very steep and contains a large number of hairpin bends (buses and trucks need to reverse to get around some of these).  After this point, it will be 15 miles to the finish line.

Mark is sorry for any worry and inconvenience caused by his decision yesterday.  As we're sure everyone appreciates, he is mentally and physically exhausted by this run, which has been so much harder than he anticipated.

He is more determined than ever to complete this challenge despite the problems with his feet, which have become numb.  He will rest his feet in the hope of restoring some feeling in them and begin running again on 1 January.

We're sorry for confusion caused by our announcement yesterday and thank you for the wonderful support given to Mark during this incredibly difficult challenge.

RUN GEORDIE RUN FORCED TO STOP

Mark Allison has run 2,267 miles and taken everything Australia could throw at him to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Children’s Foundation.  It has been far harder than he could possibly have anticipated and now, sadly, he has been forced to stop the challenge on safety grounds.

He set off 73 days ago from Perth to run across the continent and had hoped to end the challenge at Bondi Beach, Sydney, 180 miles away from his current position in Yass.

The run is in partnership with the North East’s largest Motor Group, Benfield, and he has raised over £37,000.  Unfortunately, Mark has run out of time to safely complete the challenge and both charities firmly support his decision to stop now.

Mark, from Blyth, Northumberland, explains: “I’ve just got too much left to do.  I’ve reached the motorway section of the run, which was always going to be a potentially dangerous bit.  But, because I’ve run low on time, I’d need to be running at least two hours a day in darkness and without a support vehicle.

“This isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly.  But ultimately I can’t put myself at that kind of risk.  I hope everyone who has supported me will understand my decision.  I just think this is the run which isn’t meant to be.

“Really I should have stopped at the beginning of November when I was struggling in the extreme heat of the Nullabor and when my feet were pretty much destroyed.  I’ve never known pain like it and I’m proud that I wasn’t defeated then.

“My feet are pretty much numb now, which is another concern.  I don’t know what I’m running on because I can’t feel it.  I know in myself, it’s time to stop.

"I've ran through intense heat and the weather for the remainder of my time in Australia is going to be a lot cooler. That's frustrating.

“This is really a tough decision to take.  I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and I hope everyone who has donated to the two charities knows I’ve given this challenge absolutely everything I have.  This one was just not meant to be.

"In my opinion, what I've achieved in Australia this year eclipses my achievement in the USA in 2011.”

Sadly, Mark lost both his parents to cancer when he was a young man and he has spent 20 years raising funds for good causes in the North East of England.
Running around 40 miles a day, Mark has endured heat so intense that it was subject of an Extreme Weather Warning, relentless flies, dangerous roads and terrifying storms.

It has been an incredible journey which has taken every last ounce of his mental and physical strength.

Sir Bobby’s son, Mark Robson says: “We’re 100 per cent behind Mark’s decision to stop the run now.

“We’ve said to him all though this challenge that his safety, and that of his support team, is of primary importance.

“This run has been so much harder than he could possibly have anticipated.  I’ve been thinking about what he’s been going through every day.  We think he’s super human and we’re extremely proud that he has been putting himself through this to help raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

Libby Nolan, Fundraising Manager for The Children’s Foundation, says:  “We couldn’t be more thrilled with Mark’s incredible efforts.  He is an astounding individual with determination unlike most other human beings.

“We are so proud of him.  Yet again, he’s pushed himself to the limit and raised an incredible amount of money for two North Eastern charities.”

For more information about Run Geordie Run Down Under with Benfield please visit www.rungeordierun.com and follow Mark’s progress on Twitter @RunGeordieRun.

If you would like to donate to the two charities, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/rungeordierun.

PAUL COMPLETES A VERY LONG RUN, ON THE SHORTEST DAY

It took 11 hours and 23 minutes, but on Saturday (21st December), Paul Smith from Sherburn Hill, Durham, ran for an amazing 61 miles to raise money for two local charities.

It is the furthest Paul has ever run and he undertook the challenge, on the shortest day of the year, in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and The Finlay Cooper Fund.

The 50-year-old has run every single day since 1st January 2007, what is termed a ‘running streak,’ and was keen to try something new.  He came up with the idea of running between the region’s football clubs and began his run at midnight at St James’ Park Newcastle.

He then headed to the Stadium of Light, Sunderland, Victoria Park, Hartlepool and then to Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium before heading back to Victoria Park.  He arrived in time to watch his beloved Hartlepool United take on Burton Albion and enjoyed a well-deserved lap of honour round the pitch.

His run through the bleak December weather has raised over £3,000 for the two charities and Paul was supported throughout the run by friends and family.

Speaking at the finish, Paul said: “That was very tough.  But then that’s what challenges are supposed to be.

“I’m feeling a real mixture of emotions.  I’m elated, relieved, proud, honoured and humbled by the fantastic support I’ve received.

“For me, it was just running, albeit running a very long way.  It’s the fundraising for two worthy causes that really counts.  The work the two charities fund is what matters and I’m proud to have been able to help.

“Thanks to everyone who has donated.  And, if you haven’t had a chance to yet and would like to, you can still donate online.”

Hartlepool manager, Colin Cooper, and his wife, Julie, formed The Finlay Cooper Fund in August 2006.  They lost their son Finlay in January 2002 in a tragic choking accident and wanted to do something positive in his name. 

Donations have been given through the charity to a large number of local children’s causes including hospices, a diabetes trust and a cancer ward. 

Colin Cooper said: “This is such an amazing effort from Paul I would encourage as many people as possible to donate if they possibly can.

“It’s a unique charity challenge and I know it means a lot to Paul to raise as much as he can for the two causes so every small donation will help spur him on.”

Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in 2008 to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer – including the clinical trials of new drugs.

Lady Elsie said: “My sons and I were lucky enough to meet up with Paul before his challenge and we were all impressed by his commitment and enthusiasm.

“To have run as far as 61 miles is incredible, especially in the cold December weather and through the night.

“On behalf of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, I’d like to thank Paul for his tremendous efforts and also thank everyone who has been kind enough to sponsor him.

“The money raised will help people across the North East and Cumbria facing cancer.”

This year, thanks to tremendous ongoing support, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has been able to fund an Imaging Flow Cytometer for £438,000, which allows scientists to see cancer cells that may be circulating in a patient’s blood. 

It has also part-funded the complementary therapy programme, which provides relief from the symptoms of cancer and its treatment for patients at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care and jointly funded a cancer patient ambulance.

Early next year, thanks to the Foundation’s largest funding contribution to date, £850,000, the latest generation in stereotactic radiotherapy surgery will become available to cancer patients from across the North East and Cumbria.  It will be used to treat tumours which are currently inoperable and delivers extremely high doses of radiation with pin-point accuracy.

To sponsor Paul, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/LordSmythe1908.

FUNDING FOR NEW CANCER SUPPORT SPECIALIST FOR MAGGIE’S NEWCASTLE

Rounding off a hugely positive year, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation will announce today (Friday 20 December) that it is working with Maggie’s Newcastle to provide even greater support for people facing cancer in the North East and Cumbria.

The Foundation is helping fund a Cancer Support Specialist who will play a key role within the Maggie’s Centre, which is just outside the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital.

Maggie’s Newcastle opened in May this year to provide support for people living with cancer, and their friends and families, who are facing tough decisions and exhausting treatment.

It is somewhere to find practical advice about financial help and eating well, to receive emotional support, meet other people or simply to sit quietly with a cup of tea.

In recognition of the contribution from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, the new Maggie’s support post is called the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Support Specialist and the position has been filled by 41-year-old Joanne Tortoise, from Ponteland.

Joanne is looking forward to beginning her new role in January and will work closely with NHS staff at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, which includes the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.

She says: “I really can’t wait to get started at Maggie’s.  I’ve known about the work they do for quite a while and I know they offer incredibly important support to people with cancer as well as their friends and families.

“I’m really excited to be part of the expert team offering support at Newcastle.  I visited the Centre the other day and I just couldn’t wait to get started.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has now raised over £5.8million (this is a new fundraising total – previously over £5.2million) to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

As well as helping to fund groundbreaking new technology and the clinical trials of new drugs, the charity also funds projects that enhance cancer patient care.

This year it has, once again, part-funded the complementary therapy programme which provides patients at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care with relief from the symptoms of cancer and its treatment.  It has also funded a Daft as a Brush ambulance to transport patients from across the region to receive treatment in Newcastle.

Lady Elsie says: “We were approached by Maggie’s about funding a Cancer Support Specialist before the Centre in Newcastle was even completed.

“I visited Maggie’s in London and was very impressed at the marvellous support it offered people with cancer.

“Funding this role was something all the Foundation’s trustees felt would be of great benefit to patients in this region and meeting Joanne and some of the people visiting Maggie’s today has really underlined that for me.

“Being able to announce funding for this new support role today ends this year on a very positive note.  We’d like to thank all the wonderful fundraisers and everyone who has contributed to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation for helping make it happen.”

In her new role, Joanne will be responsible for giving reliable and accurate information and support about any aspect of living with cancer (treatment, side-effects, emotional issues, family relationships) according to individual needs as well as facilitating timetabled workshops and courses such as the Getting Started with Cancer Treatment and Talking Heads (for people facing hair loss and other changes associated with treatment) workshops.

Maggie’s Newcastle Centre Head, Karen Verrill, says: “This is an amazing and generous contribution to the Maggie’s Newcastle team from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“It is incredible that a big charity like the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has provided a cancer support specialist for Maggie’s Newcastle and Joanne Tortoise is a very welcome addition to our staff.

“Since we have opened we have been very busy here with visitors to the Centre and having a cancer support specialist will make a big difference to what we can offer the people coming to the Centre looking for support.

“Having Joanne is going to me and having worked with Joanne before I have experience of the way she has provided support for people with cancer in the past and I know she will be invaluable at Maggie’s.”

With Maggie’s Aberdeen opening in September, there are now 17 fully operational Maggie’s Centres, the first being built in Edinburgh in 1996 from plans drawn up by Maggie Keswick Jencks before she died from cancer in 1995.

Maggie Keswick Jencks lived with advanced cancer for two years and during that time she used her knowledge and experience to create a blueprint for a new type of care.  Care based around places that let people feel in control and not part of a production line; care that recognises the importance of comforting spaces when people are feeling vulnerable; and care that never allows people to, as she put it, “lose the joy of living in the fear of dying”.

The unique programme of support available through Maggie’s has been developed by Maggie’s Professional Advisory Board, which includes top academics and oncologists, and includes drop-in with cancer support specialists, nutrition workshops, Tai Chi, stress management, relaxation and one-to-one sessions with clinical psychologists.

Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in 2008 to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer – including the clinical trials of new drugs.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information please visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Room 203, Cheviot Court, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN.

Katy Vasey, 54, Blyth:

Katy Vasey believes the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation providing a new cancer support specialist for Maggie’s Newcastle is just “wonderful”.

She has been visiting Maggie’s Newcastle for the last six months after moving back to Northumberland while coping with a breast cancer diagnosis, a place she says has been her refuge.

She says: “It really is wonderful that Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is working with Maggie’s in this way.

“It shows they believe in the support Maggie’s offer and for such a high profile organisation to join Maggie’s like this will really help boost awareness of the tremendous support Maggie’s offer.

“I was told about Maggie’s by a cancer nurse.

“She told me it was about empowerment and ever since I first visited it really has become my refuge.

“Some days I am here for four to five hours, at other times an hour is all I need.

“I come in and chat to people round the kitchen table with a cup of tea or join the Tai Chi class or take part in the nutrition workshop.

“It is just a fabulous place to be, somewhere I never feel pressurised and somewhere which feels completely different to a hospital.

“It is wonderful that the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has recognised this and I know having another member of staff will make a big difference.”

Robert Fairbairn, 75, Newcastle

While coping with a prostate cancer diagnosis on top of other medical conditions Robert has found Maggie’s Newcastle a huge support in the last few weeks.

And he is delighted that the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation are working with Maggie’s to enable  Joanne Tortoise, Maggie’s new cancer support specialist, to join Maggie’s expert staff in January.

Robert says: “It is just brilliant that the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation have provided funding for Maggie’s to have a new cancer support specialist.

“I come to Maggie’s to do the yoga and the Tai Chi because I feel I have lost a lot of my personal fitness recently through ill health, but I also come to speak to people.

“I get great support at Maggie’s and I know having a new member of staff to talk to will certainly be nice at the very least.”

LADY ELSIE BECOMES CLUB PRESIDENT OF TOW LAW TOWN

County Durham’s Tow Law Town AFC, credits Sir Bobby Robson for helping save the club during one of its darkest hours. Members have never forgotten Sir Bobby’s efforts on their behalf and have responded by raising an amazing £4,100 for the football legend’s cancer charity.

In 2001, Tow Law Town was struggling financially as the foot and mouth crisis impacted on supporter numbers and gate receipts.

Club stalwart, Charlie Donaghy, invited Sir Bobby, then Newcastle United manager, to a fundraising talk-in at the Ironworks Road ground to raise much needed funds and he immediately agreed. 

It was a memorable night, repeated two years later, and the money raised helped keep Tow Law Town afloat during difficult times.

Sir Bobby enjoyed his association with the club greatly and was honoured to accept the title of Tow Law Town vice president.

Charlie Donaghy, who was recently awarded the Northern Echo’s Local Hero award for his contribution to grassroots sport, says: “I first met Sir Bobby when he officially opened The Northern League Club at Tow Law.  We looked after him well that day and he promised me he’d help us if ever we needed it.

“And Sir Bobby really did help save this club. We were in terrible straits and the money raised from his talk in made a tremendous difference.

“He stayed all night. In fact, he stayed so late Lady Elsie rang up to check with his Newcastle United colleague Charlie Woods to see how the night was going. It was wonderful and I think he enjoyed it as much as we did. We’ve always been grateful for his help.”

On 10 August this year, The FA organised the Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day in celebration of the nation’s favourite game and one of English football’s most iconic figures.
It was part of The FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations and, on the day, 150 events took place across the country - providing a showcase of The FA’s work at grassroots level.

One of those 150 FA events was the first match of the new season in the Northern League Division Two at Tow Law Town and the club took the opportunity to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in the process.

Junior members held a halftime penalty competition and the club organised a raffle, while Charlie was sponsored more than £3,000 by grassroots sports clubs and leagues around the County for doing a sponsored walk around the pitch.

Charlie, who donated his £500 Northern Echo Local Hero prize to the Foundation, adds: “Raising this money has been a tremendous team effort by Tow Law Town and the local community. Everybody has been so generous.

“I have mobility problems so walking around the pitch was very difficult. I thought I’d try for three laps but also thought that would have me on my knees.

“I was privileged to carry the Olympic Torch last year so I wore my special tracksuit for luck and to inspire me. It must have done the job because I managed all three laps and was very proud to have done it.”

On Friday night (13 December), Lady Elsie visited Tow Law AFC to receive the cheque on behalf of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and to thank Charlie and club members.

Speakers on the night included George Courtney, former World Cup referee, Mike Amos, Northern League chairman and George Caulkin, North East football reporter for The Times and a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

More funds were raised for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation through an auction and stand-up bingo competition – with Lady Elsie calling the numbers.

At the end of the night, Lady Elsie was pleasantly surprised when she was asked to become President of Tow Law Town AFC. She then went on to officially rename the bar at the club the Sir Bobby Robson Bar.

Lady Elsie says: “I’d like to say thank you from our hearts to Charlie and everyone at Tow Law Town for raising so much money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.  We’re very grateful.

“I was honoured to be offered the chance to become President of the club and it was an honour I was proud to accept.”

ICONIC WORLD CUP SUIT ON PUBLIC DISPLAY FOR FIRST TIME

For the first time, one of this country’s most famous items of sporting memorabilia is on public display.

For the next few weeks, the iconic grey suit Sir Bobby Robson wore to lead England so tantalisingly close to World Cup glory at Italia ‘90 will be on show in Newcastle.

It is the first time the suit has been available for public viewing and is sure to prove a draw for football fans and anyone doing their Christmas shopping in the city centre.

The suit is on display in JG Windows, within the historic Central Arcade, to promote the sale of the Another (K)Night to Remember DVD, which is raising funds for the football legend’s cancer charity.

For generations of football fans, seeing it will evoke memories of what was a very special World Cup campaign when a squad featuring local players - Chris Waddle, Paul Gascoigne, Bryan Robson and Peter Beardsley - came so close to reaching the World Cup final. 

The heart wrenching moment when Sir Bobby watched his side go out on penalties in the semi-final against West Germany is etched into English football history.

Helen Mawson of JG Windows says: “We’re thrilled to have such a special piece of footballing history on display here.

“We were thinking of ways to promote the fact we’re selling the Another (K)Night to Remember DVD in the run up to Christmas and asked Lady Elsie for help.

“It’s extremely kind of her to lend us her husband’s suit and we hope it will attract a lot of interest in the DVD, which will then help the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

Another (K)Night to Remember includes all the highlights from Sir Bobby Robson – A Celebration, a very special evening of music, memories and laughter when family, friends, musicians, comedians, football greats and admirers gathered at The Sage Gateshead to remember Sir Bobby on the night he would have turned 80.

Tickets for the event, which was supported by Virgin Money, sold out within hours  and Sir Bobby’s son Mark described it as “one of the best nights of my life.” 

Hosted by Jim Rosenthal and former Lindisfarne singer Billy Mitchell, Sir Bobby Robson – A Celebration featured an amazing line-up of performers and football greats including Mark Knopfler, England legend Stuart Pearce, Joe McElderry, Northern Sinfonia - Orchestra of The Sage Gateshead, The Unthanks, Russell Watson, Alistair McGowan, Peter Brewis of Field Music, The Cornshed Sisters, Paul Smith of Maximo Park, Ruby Turner, Faryl Smith, Scarlet Street, Ben Ottewell of Gomez, Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas and Newcastle United’s Alan Pardew, Shola Ameobi  and Steve Harper.

Now, thanks to this DVD, Sir Bobby Robson – A Celebration can be enjoyed by a much wider audience and features a host of funny and moving extra interviews and from the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Bob Moncur, Alan Shearer and Lady Elsie.

Lady Elsie says: “The celebration on my husband’s birthday was a marvellous night and I’m glad I have this DVD to remind me of it.  It had a bit of everything, comedy, music and football.  The calibre of performers was breathtaking really.  Bob would have been in his element.

“The team who organised the celebration event and this DVD have worked so hard to make sure it was all done right.  They gave up their time to help free of charge, as did the people who performed, and we’re very grateful to them all.

“It’s lovely that people who were unable to attend the night itself can still enjoy it through this DVD and help the charity in the process.  Let’s hope it ends up under a lot of Christmas trees this year.”

The event was organised by a dedicated and experienced team working on a voluntary basis.  They are music promoter, Adam Collerton; award-winning director, Geoff Wonfor; football and media producer, Oliver Fowler; tour manager, Sue Collier and event producer, Ray Laidlaw, formerly of Lindisfarne.

The team received tremendous support from The Sage Gateshead, performers, guests, local businesses and the football community - including Sir Bobby’s former clubs, FIFA, UEFA and The Football Association.

Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in 2008 to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer – including the clinical trials of new drugs.

An ideal Christmas present, Another (K)Night to Remember is available via http://www.mawson-wareham.com/product.php?prodid=127 and in Windows, Newcastle, MetroCentre and Darlington priced at £16.99.  It is also available in T&G Alan, Morpeth, That’s Entertainment in Dalton Park and Royal Quays, HMV throughout the region and Gojo in Hexham.