Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is supporting Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction this October by donating a very special auction item.
Mr Villas-Boas has kindly offered to present a Chelsea shirt with 'Sir Bobby' on the back and signed by the whole team in person to whoever wins in the online charity auction.
And this week, Mr Villas-Boas also paid tribute to Sir Bobby, who had such a great impact on his own career in football, by saying: "Sir Bobby is a true legend of the game. He was a great man, a great manager and a real gentleman. I often think of him and the inspiration he gave me not only at Porto but throughout his life.
“Sir Bobby has influenced everyone who ever met him with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. The fact that so many fellow managers and clubs are supporting this campaign speaks more about his legacy than I ever could.
“That Bobby is fighting against cancer even now shows that even though he was taken from us his spirit will never die. I am proud to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Auction and I hope fans across the country and throughout the world will do the same.”
Gina Long, the auction founder, said: “Having Mr. Villas-Boas and Chelsea Football Club’s support for Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Auction is very special indeed.
“Their auction prize truly is a ‘money can’t buy’ prize, it also reflects the amazing man Sir Bobby was.
“I have been lucky enough to spend many special times with Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie, seeing first-hand the time and kindness he gave to all who approached him – even when picking him up from Stansted Airport for Ipswich Town’s 25th celebration of winning the FA Cup – it took Bobby over two hours to walk through the airport, generously taking time and talking to all who stopped him.
“Sir Bobby gave so much, to so many, and Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Auction is a spectacular way for the country to have the opportunity to give something back in Bobby’s memory helping Sir Bobby’s Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support from Premier League and Championship clubs and we want to encourage companies and individuals to get involved by donating an auction prize or by bidding in October or simply by making a donation – it really will make the biggest difference in raising crucial funds and achieving our goal of raising £250,000.”
Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction and Ball is endorsed and backed by the FA Chairman David Bernstein, the Robson family and Delia Smith, who will be attending the ball.
Former Ipswich stars, including Mick Mills, Ipswich captain for 10 years during Sir Bobby’s reign as manager and now a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, will also be attending.
For more information please visit www.sirbobbysbreakthroughauction.com
