NEWCASTLE BUILDING SOCIETY TEAMS UP TO SUPPORT SIR BOBBY ROBSON FOUNDATION

A regional institution aims to hit the back of the net with a long-term scheme to help the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Newcastle Building Society (NBS) has launched the special Sir Bobby Robson Foundation ISA, which will give an additional cash donation, for every pound invested by customers, to the charity.

The company, with more branches in the North East than any other building society, has unveiled this partnership to mark the Foundation’s fourth anniversary.

Not only is the product a ‘Best Buy’ in the marketplace, it is also the first of its type and is the Foundation’s first financial product partnership, which Sir Bobby’s widow, Lady Elsie Robson, is delighted about: “It was a great pleasure to help launch this new account and we’re grateful to the Newcastle for thinking of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“It’s a very creative way of helping the charity and we will ensure every penny donated is spent wisely.

“We’ve just celebrated the Foundation’s fourth anniversary and receiving support from an organisation with a heritage like the Newcastle Building Society is a marvellous present. My husband would have been as proud as punch with this fitting gesture.”

Jim Willens, NBS’ Chief Executive, said: “Before launching the account, customer research was undertaken, which indicated that they would like us to support charities linked to health and old age. As such, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is a great fit with the Society as it is a cancer research charity, which raises money to fund the early detection and treatment of cancer.

“In addition, whilst having a strong presence nationally, the charity also has a focus on the same heartland (North East and Cumbria) as the Society.

"As a regional organisation, the support we provide to the communities in which we operate is a crucial element to our business strategy. Our product allows people to save tax-free while helping a good cause. We’re really looking forward to the support we aim to bring to the Foundation as a result of this partnership, which we hope will be a long-term fixture.”

For more information, please visit http://www.newcastle.co.uk/savings/cash-isa.aspx

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY AND INCREDIBLE NEW TOTAL – NOW OVER £4 MILLION

Today (Sunday 25th March) not only marks the fourth anniversary of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, it is also the day the charity is announcing it has broken through the £4 million fund-raising barrier.

It is a spectacular achievement for the charity Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie launched in 2008 to raise an initial target of £500,000. That money was required to equip a cancer trials research centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital and, incredibly, was achieved in just seven weeks.

Thanks to wonderful ongoing support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has now raised £4,095,264 to find more effective treatments for cancer and is contributing significantly to the coordinated, international research into the disease.

Professor Ruth Plummer, Sir Bobby’s oncologist and director of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, sees the benefits of the work funded through the Foundation every day.

It was Professor Plummer’s request for help which prompted Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie to set up the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and she believes its ongoing success is the greatest tribute that could ever be paid to him.

Professor Plummer says: “Sir Bobby was absolutely committed to this charity. He said he’d give up a year to help us but he actually remained passionately involved for the last 18 months of his life despite being extremely ill.

“The way people continue to help us is amazing. It’s an incredible and very worthy tribute to Sir Bobby and an acknowledgment of just how many people are affected by cancer one way or another.

“Four years ago we had no idea what we could achieve through this charity. It’s amazing to look back on what has already been funded and see the difference it is making to people with cancer.

“Looking to the future, we’re currently exploring a number of exciting possibilities which will enhance the services and equipment we’ve already invested in. We’re just so grateful that the support for the charity allows us to have this long term view.”

Fittingly, staff from House of Fraser at the MetroCentre have organised a celebration ball at the Copthorne Hotel tonight. Coinciding with the Foundation’s anniversary, and at the same venue where Sir Bobby launched the charity, it is sure to be a moving occasion.

Helen Jennings, from Denton Burn, says: “Staff at House of Fraser voted to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation this year and this ball is just one of the events and activities we’re undertaking.

“Most of our staff have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer so this charity was a very popular choice. Sadly in my department alone we’ve lost two colleagues to the disease and you want to feel like you’re doing something to help.

“We’re not finished yet and have raised around £2,000 already. Everyone across the whole store is pitching in.

“Holding our celebration ball on the fourth anniversary of the Foundation makes it even more special and we’re very grateful to everyone who has supported the event with prizes and bought tickets. We hope Sir Bobby would be pleased we’re supporting the work of his charity four years after he began it.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that directly benefit cancer patients from across the north east and Cumbria - including the clinical trials of drugs at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care in Newcastle – and which contribute significantly to the international fight against the disease.

Since its launch, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has equipped the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and funded a specialist clinical research nurse and research doctor within it.

Over 1,000 patients have been treated on clinical trials since the Sir Bobby Centre opened in February 2009 and an additional 1,000 patients have been enrolled in other research studies, studying the biology and genetics of cancer to help develop and improve treatments.

There has been a year on year increase in the number of clinical trials open, currently 93, and staffing in the Centre has risen from 27 when it opened in 2009 to 40 today. Further developments are planned which will involve still further expansion of the team.

Newcastle’s Experimental Medicine Cancer Centre (ECMC), which includes the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, was recently identified as one of highest scoring ECMCs in the UK, placed in the top tier alongside other centres at UCL, Royal Marsden, Oxford and Cambridge.

Thanks to fantastic ongoing support, the Foundation has also funded leukaemia laboratory research equipment and contributed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s teenage cancer unit in Newcastle.

It has enhanced a specialist children’s waiting area, jointly funded a patient ‘quiet and information area’ with help from Macmillan Cancer Support and part funded a complementary therapy programme providing symptom relief for cancer patients – all at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

The charity is also working with Newcastle University and has purchased an ultra-compact ABT Molecular Imaging Biomarker Generator, which will help with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

The Biomarker Generator was purchased through a record contribution of £625,000 from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and is only the second of its type in the world and the first in Europe. It is expected to go into operation this summer (2012).

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation’s medical trustees are always looking for the next breakthrough, the next promising investment into cancer equipment or training and always looking to fulfil Sir Bobby’s ambition to help other people facing the hard fight against cancer.

It is supported in that aim by committed Patrons including Alan Shearer, Niall Quinn, Steve Gibson, Delia Smith and Mick Mills.

Tom Chaplin blog: Sir Bobby Robson boat naming

There are times when things just fit, they work out perfectly, a synergy falls neatly into place. Yesterday (4th March 2012) really was one of those days.

On the brightest of North East spring afternoons on the River Tyne, with regeneration appropriately sprouting all around and camera crews and news reporters jostling for position on the quayside, the name Sir Bobby Robson and the work of the Foundation, was the centre of attention.

The Port of Tyne launched a new dredging vessel – “Sir Bobby Robson” - in front of officials, invited guests and competition winners. Blessed and officially named by Sir Bobby’s widow Lady Elsie Robson, the event was a real family affair as her son Andrew addressed guests and detailed the latest work of the Foundation.

But the perfect fit doesn’t end there. There was the cheque Port of Tyne kindly presented to the Foundation, a donation that will go a long way to continuing its important work in cancer research. There was the sight of civic gold as both North and South Tyneside’s Mayors were represented. And there was also thirteen year old Ben Nicholson, the harbourmaster’s son, who had won the Port’s competition to name the vessel.

Proof, if any were required, that Sir Bobby’s name and his place in North East hearts - black and white, red and white or otherwise - lives on.

And finally¸ there was the connection between Sir Bobby and the boat itself. For while many folk may have baulked at a plain old dredger being named after them, Lady Elsie was sure Sir Bobby would have been thrilled to have his name on the side of this one. A working boat with real purpose and a planned service of fifty years – much like Bobby’s dedication to football – the “Sir Bobby Robson” will work tirelessly for the benefit of others – much like Sir Bobby’s efforts with his Foundation.

That’s synergy for you. A perfect fit and a perfect day.

Special thanks must go to our generous hosts the Port of Tyne and The Customs House.

Tom Chaplin, Writer in Residence, Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

As I sit in the warm and bright treatment area in the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital surrounded by patients waiting or being treated, I become aware of my own health.

I am, to all intents and purposes, healthy. My family are healthy. What’s more, mercifully, no one in my immediate family has had to tackle cancer. But the people here from all walks of life have, and do so with immense bravery and stoicism.

I see men and women, young and old, and it’s not that these people are happy – many of these people are facing the finality of cancer – but they are remarkably cheery. Breakfast and blood tests, crosswords and chatting – often with each other about their shared experience – everything is conducted with a lack of drama and a complete absence of self-pity.

The nurses do their work: monitoring patients, administering medicines and conducting tests with good grace and tender humility, offering patients the benefit of their expertise and putting them at ease whenever possible. They make sure that people are fed and watered, comfortable and settled, and there is a sense that their jobs hold no boundaries or limits.

Meanwhile, the massage lady quietly passes between the clusters of easy chairs offering a relaxing five minute back massage to anyone who fancies it. Her friendly nature and gentle smile seems to draw away what anxiety or tension her clients must be feeling.

The wig lady pushes her trolley through the room and eyes those who might want to discuss their options with her. “Embrace it”, she says kindly as a lady wonders how to deal with her hair loss. They peruse the boxes of hairpieces together like many of us would when buying shoes in a shoe shop.

Ted is in his late sixties. He tells me this is his third time battling cancer, though he knows it will almost certainly be his last. “Not as many as Bobby”, he says casually with a smile in that way that we all seem to talk about Sir Bobby Robson – as if we knew him personally. He touches my arm as he tells me his story and a tear wells unashamedly in my eye.

He lost his beloved wife to cancer on the eve of retirement – “just when it was going to our time” he says, but talks warmly of life with his family, especially his grandchildren who he will be sad to leave behind. “I’ve had a good life”, he says.

Ted’s story is typical of those offering themselves for trials here. He’s here to take part in a trial of a drug that could save his life, but he’s happy to accept that it may only be others who benefit.

And it’s now that the state of my own health hits me. Of course, I’m very grateful – more so for having spent a lovely twenty minutes or so in Ted’s company – for my good health. I feel guilty almost for my healthy cells and fully functioning organs, though somehow I know Ted wouldn’t wish me to. But something else strikes me.

If I was Ted, if I was in his position, I could think of nowhere else I’d rather be having my last throw of the dice than here. Taking an opportunity to help myself and others.

Please keep giving, and please keep fundraising. Thank you.

Tom Chaplin, Writer in Residence, Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

ENCORE FOR HUGELY POPULAR CELEBRITY GOLF DAY

The inaugural Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Celebrity Golf Day, held last April at Rockliffe Hall near Darlington, was hugely popular, uniting north east football in the fight against cancer and prompting immediate calls for a repeat.

The second Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Celebrity Golf Day, in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, will be held this year on 2nd May and the venue is once again five-star Rockliffe Hall.

Last year’s very high profile event was supported by Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Patrons including Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, Sunderland AFC legend Niall Quinn and Sir Bobby’s Ipswich Town captain Mick Mills.

It was also generously supported by Hartlepool United, Sunderland AFC, Newcastle United, Leeds United and Middlesbrough football clubs, which all entered teams into the golf tournament that included players, former players and management.

The unparalleled line up of football celebrities created a very special atmosphere of unity before and after the golf and ensured strong competition out on the course.

The late Gary Speed, an enthusiastic supporter of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, also attended the inaugural Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Celebrity Golf day and will be a great miss this year.

Lady Elsie says: “My husband thoroughly enjoyed playing golf and nothing would have given him greater pleasure than to see so many good friends from within football coming together like they did at Rockliffe Hall last year.

“It was an absolutely wonderful day in glorious sunshine and we’re extremely pleased that it is going ahead once again. Alan Shearer and Niall Quinn have kindly agreed to play and we’re receiving great support once again from Steve Gibson.

“We are all looking forward to another very special day at Rockliffe Hall raising funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

In addition to the charity’s Patrons, footballers, former players, executives, managers and coaching staff involved in the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Celebrity Golf Day last year included Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley, Lee Cattermole, Craig Gordon, Michael Turner and Steve Bruce.

Middlesbrough FC was represented by Matthew Bates, Andrew Taylor, Jason Steele and Adam Johnson - who travelled from Manchester to take part.

Hartlepool United’s team comprised Mick Wadsworth, Micky Barron, Ritchie Humphreys and Russ Green and Leeds United’s was made up of Alex Bruce, Billy Paynter, Paul Connolly and Ross McCormack.

In addition, Newcastle United was represented by Mick Martin, John Beresford, Alan Pardew, John Carver, Steve Stone, Andy Woodman, Ryan Taylor, Alan Smith, Shefki Kuqi, Shola Ameobi, James Perch, Tim Krul, Peter Lovenkrands, Steven Taylor, Steve Harper and Joey Barton.

Teams for the 2012 Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Celebrity Golf Day cost £545 and consist of four amateurs, or three amateurs plus a celebrity who is provided. The day includes a full buffet breakfast, 18 holes, drinks reception, dinner crafted by Rockliffe Hall’s Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, a very special auction and evening entertainment.

Alternatively, strictly limited numbers of tables for the evening drinks reception and dinner only are available.

Teams, dinner tables and sponsorship opportunities, including a golf hole, hole in one, nearest the pin and on course refreshments, are available now. For further information please email karen@connectvips.com or call 07782 109 758 or 0191 251 2222.

NE FOOTBALL WRITERS SUPPORT AND HONOURS

On Sunday night, the region’s football community came together to celebrate the very best of the 2010/2011 football season and to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Sponsored by Barclays, the 2011 North East Football Writers' Association awards dinner at Ramside Hall in Durham is a regular highlight in the region’s football calendar and this year was no exception.

The event was attended by players, managers, directors and officials from all of the north east football clubs including Alan Pardew and Tony Mowbray. It was also supported by Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who is a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Hosted by BBC Radio 5 Lives’ Ian Dennis, entertainment was provided by popular local comedian Josh Daniels who faced stiff competition on the laughs front from Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott.

Middlesbrough's Joe Bennett was named Young Player of the Year and there were special awards for Whitley Bay FC, Carlisle United, Hartlepool’s Ritchie Humphreys and Darlington manager Craig Liddle.

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini was crowned Player of the Year, and said: “I was very pleased to receive the award, following in the footsteps of such Newcastle greats as Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer and Shay Given.

"I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, it really was a great honour for me.

"Coming on the back of a good win for us against Aston Villa, it made for a tremendous day for me, and I want to share this with my family, teammates, everyone at the Club and the fans."

The event was originally due to be held on 27th November and was postponed following the sudden death of former Newcastle United and Wales footballer Gary Speed. Warm tributes were paid to Gary and also to Sunderland Echo journalist Ian Laws who died recently aged just 41.

This is the third year the North East Football Writers' Association has supported the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and this year, for the first time, the Association and the charity jointly made an award to honour one of the region’s most respected football professionals.

The inaugural North East Football Writers' Association’s Personality of the Year, in association with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, was awarded to Sunderland AFC’s Niall Quinn in recognition of his five years as the club's chairman and his wider contribution to the local community.

Niall was unable to attend and sent an appreciative video message, while the award was collected on his behalf by Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup hero Jimmy Montgomery.

Colin Young, representing the North East Football Writers' Association, said: "We're really proud of our association with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Not only was Sir Bobby a great communicator, he was a man held in esteem by the whole of our region and beyond and that's the essence of our dinner - that local rivalry gets put to one side as we celebrate the best of each other and ourselves.

"The fact that the Foundation is raising money which directly helps cancer patients from across the whole of the North East and Cumbria is another reason why the partnership is a perfect fit.

“We're honoured that Lady Elsie and her family agreed to support our Personality of the Year award and hope that we've established a new tradition in keeping with what's always a great night."

SUPPORT FROM NORTH EAST FOOTBALL WRITERS

On Sunday (5th February) local rivalries will be put to one side as the region’s football community comes together to celebrate the very best of the 2010/2011 football season.

Sponsored by Barclays, the 2011 North East Football Writers' Association awards dinner at Ramside Hall in Durham is a regular highlight in the region’s football calendar. It will be attended by a star-studded guest list, which includes players, managers, directors and officials from all of the north east football clubs.

The event was originally due to be held on 27th November and was postponed following the tragic death of former Newcastle United and Wales footballer Gary Speed.

Tributes will be paid to Gary during the evening and the event will raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, a charity he strongly supported.

“Everyone was devastated by the news about Gary. There was simply no way we could go ahead with the event in November." Colin Young, representing the North East Football Writers' Association said.

“He was someone my colleagues and I had a great deal of respect for because of the way he conducted himself on and off the field.

“Many of the guests and journalists at the awards knew Gary personally and this is an ideal occasion to pay tribute to a real football man who is greatly missed.”

This is the third year the North East Football Writers' Association has supported the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and this year, for the first time, the Association and the charity will be jointly making an award to honour one of the region’s most respected football professionals.

The inaugural North East Football Writers' Association’s Personality of the Year, in association with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, will be presented to Sunderland AFC’s Niall Quinn in recognition of his five years as the club's chairman and his wider contribution to the local community.

Lady Elsie Robson was particularly pleased to agree the nomination given Niall’s role as a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and his close links with her husband.

Commenting on Niall receiving the new award, Lady Elsie said: “My family and I are very proud that the inaugural Personality of the Year is not only going to a great football man, but also to a man who represents our charity so magnificently.

“He truly does maintain the same kind of football and community ethos as my husband.

“After we lost my husband, my family and I realised we needed support from Patrons who could help us continue the important work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Niall was one of the very first people I thought to ask for help.

“I know Bob would have approved whole-heartedly of Niall’s involvement with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and we’re very grateful for his ongoing support.

“As everyone knows, my husband was a Newcastle United fan but he loved to visit the Stadium of Light. He was always very well looked after by Niall and they had a wonderful relationship based on mutual respect.

“Niall has represented Sunderland AFC as chairman with great dignity. His positive influence has extended far into the community and we wish him very well in his new role with the club.”

Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer, also a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, will be supporting the awards evening, when Newcastle's Fabricio Coloccini will be crowned Player of the Year. There are also awards for, amongst others, Middlesbrough's Joe Bennett and Whitley Bay FC.

Colin Young added: "We're really proud of our links to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and we're thrilled that Lady Elsie and the charity have given their blessing to our new Personality of the Year award in Sir Bobby's memory."

"Our annual dinner is about the region's football clubs and their supporters joining together in harmony and friendship to celebrate the best of each other. There's no better symbol for that than Sir Bobby, who was universally respected, nor his Foundation, which benefits people right across the region. We think Niall is an appropriate and deserving winner."