Sir Bobby's charity passes £4m raised

Sir Bobby Robson
Sir Bobby Robson back in 2008 at the foundation launch. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Cancer-fighting charity the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has raised more than £4 million, it announced today as it celebrates its fourth anniversary.

The former England football manager launched the project as he battled cancer for a fifth time on March 25 2008 with the initial target of raising £500,000.

Sir Bobby and Prof Ruth Plummer
Sir Bobby with his oncologist Professor Ruth Plummer, who helped Sir Bobby to launch his cancer charity. Credit: James Byrne/Sir Bobby Robson Foundation/PA Wire

That total has been smashed and continues to rise, despite the death of Sir Bobby in July 2009 at the age of 76.

It took just seven weeks to reach the initial £500,000 target after Sir Bobby launched the foundation with the support of his oncologist Professor Ruth Plummer and his many friends in sport and showbusiness.

foundation launch
The launch of the Bobby Robson Foundation in 2008. (left to right) Jim Rosenthal, Bob Wilson Dr Ruth Plummer and Des Lynham Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

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.

– Professor Plummer, director of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre
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To celebrate our 4th anniversary, please contact Helen Jennings Tel 0191 4932424 ex 7915 for £30 tickets to charity Ball in N'cl on Sunday.

From @SBRFoundation on Twitter:

She had asked Sir Bobby and his wife Lady Elsie for help with equipping the centre, and he dedicated many of his final months to raising funds.

He believed the cause was his greatest legacy after a lifetime in professional sport.