Cyclists set off for Sir Bobby fundraiser

Cyclists have set off from St James’ Park on an annual fundraising ride supporting cancer research in memory of Sir Bobby Robson.

The 15th Three Days for Bobby ride began today (22 July), with 21 cyclists and a team of support drivers embarking on a 160-mile journey that will finish at PSV Eindhoven, one of the clubs managed by the legendary former England and Newcastle United manager.

This year’s event took on added poignancy as participants departed from Sir Bobby’s statue surrounded by tributes to Kevin Keegan following the recent news of his death.

Organiser Stephen Hay, a Northumbrian Water project manager from Sunniside, said: “This is our 15th Three Days for Bobby bike ride and it just becomes more meaningful every year.

“We’re all football fans, mostly Newcastle fans, and we began the ride because of Sir Bobby. 

“Along the way though we’ve all lost loved ones to cancer and there are people who should be on the ride with us now who are no longer here.

“It’s especially meaningful that we’re able to start the ride from St James’ Park surrounded by tributes to Kevin Keegan. 

“We’re all feeling his loss.

“We began this fundraising for Sir Bobby and now it’s also in memory of King Kev and everyone we’ve lost in the intervening years to cancer too.

“We know the money raised is doing something incredibly important and, when the Sir Bobby Robson Institute is completed, all the riders and everyone who has supported us will be proud to know we’ve played even a small part in funding the work there.”

Money raised through the ride will support the construction of the £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute, which is being built at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and funded entirely by The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity.

Construction of the institute is now under way and, once complete, it will provide advanced cancer treatment for around 3.5 million people across the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire, while supporting research with wider international impact.

An initial £20 million has already been raised towards the project, with support from long-standing fundraisers and founding donors, including The Barbour Foundation, taking the total to £26.5 million.

Anisa Rahim, campaign officer for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, waved the riders off.

She added: “Fundraising like this is the bedrock of our Foundation and we’re always grateful for that support.

“Anyone who sponsors the Three Days for Bobby cyclists will be supporting fundraising for the new Sir Bobby Robson Institute and enabling even more cancer drug trials in our region.

“It’s a disease that affects everyone in some way and Stephen and his fellow cyclists have all been impacted by it. 

“Thankfully, we are making progress and improving treatments, and we’re thankful for anyone who contributes to help us continue our work.”

To sponsor the Three Days for Bobby cyclists, click here.

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 Institute, click here: www.sirbobbysgreatestteam.co.uk.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.