Work begins on £30 million cancer institute

Officials have marked a “momentous day” at a North East hospital as work begins on a new institute set to boost cancer research capacity and expand access to cutting-edge clinical trials.

Construction has now started on the £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, which will create a new hub for cancer trials in the region.

The three-storey facility will bring together existing research teams and significantly increase space and specialist resources, enabling up to 50 per cent more research activity. 

It will support patients from across the North East, north Cumbria and North Yorkshire, many of whom may benefit directly from participation in clinical trials.

Funded by The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, the project has been made possible through widespread fundraising efforts. 

More than £26.5 million has already been raised, including a £2 million contribution from the Barbour Foundation.

Mark Robson, son of the former Newcastle United, Barcelona and England manager and chair of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, said: “This is a momentous day and I can only imagine what my dad would be feeling if he was here.

“We’re so proud that his legacy in setting up the Foundation has brought us to this point and I know he’d be incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us.

“He’d be thrilled by the ambition of this institute, and he’d be telling us to enjoy this moment and then get out there and get the rest of the funds needed to finish this job. 

“We’re winning but we haven’t heard the final whistle yet.

“We began our fundraising for the institute with £20 million already raised by our Foundation’s long-standing supporters and fundraisers, which is phenomenal. 

“All those coffee mornings, sponsored runs and heartfelt donations helped us to get here, and we can’t thank them enough.

“And now, over the past few months, a group of incredible founding donors have come forward to help us reach £26.5 million.

“The next phase is critical, and we’re focused on raising the final £3.5 million needed to complete funding for the project.

“Dad called the foundation his last and greatest team for good reason, and we welcome any support that people can give.”

Artist's impression of The Sir Bobby Robson Institute

Professor Ruth Plummer, consultant medical oncologist at Newcastle Hospitals, who in 2008 was treating Sir Bobby for cancer when she asked for his help with undertaking a clinical trial for a new cancer drug, added: “When Sir Bobby first set up his foundation it was initially to help us raise half a million to equip our current cancer drug trials unit.

“Since then, demand for cancer clinical trials has continued to increase both locally and internationally. 

“We have the specialist expertise and experience in Newcastle to do even more trials and the new institute will make a huge difference in allowing us to provide more access for patients, giving people a chance to try an innovative treatment that could work for them while also being part of something bigger in terms of developing new cancer treatments.

“Quite simply, more research means we move forward with more options and better outcomes for patients, improving what we can provide now and in the future.”

Once complete, the institute will house the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre alongside oncology and haematology research teams, strengthening collaboration and accelerating progress in cancer treatment.

Dame Margaret Barbour, chair of The Barbour Foundation, added: “I am delighted that through The Barbour Foundation, we have been able to support the building of The Sir Bobby Robson Institute. 

“The Institute will play a vital role in pioneering and advancing new cancer treatments, bringing hope and making a real difference to the many people battling this terrible disease.”

For Sir Bobby Robson Institute fundraising enquiries please contact Kate Bradley at Kate.bradley14@nhs.net or call 0191 213 7235.

For more information about The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, click here.

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