Foundation launches final £1 million fundraising push

A campaign to create a world-leading cancer drug trials centre in Newcastle is entering its final fundraising push, with £1 million still needed to help deliver the £30 million facility.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, is funding the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, which is under construction at the Freeman Hospital and due for completion next year.

The facility will expand the number of cancer clinical trials taking place in Newcastle and bring researchers, clinicians and cutting-edge technology together under one roof.

It is expected to directly benefit around 3.5 million people across the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire by increasing access to clinical trials and pioneering treatments.

The latest fundraising push follows the Great North Run, which saw a record group of almost 150 people join ‘Sir Bobby’s Team’ to raise money for the foundation.

Among them was former Sunderland manager Peter Reid, who played under Sir Bobby Robson for England at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Peter, who managed Sunderland from 1995-2002, joined members of Sir Bobby’s family, patients, community fundraisers, researchers and project partners at the institute site for a time capsule ceremony marking the fundraising milestone.

The capsule will remain hidden until at least 2076 and contains items celebrating Sir Bobby’s footballing legacy alongside the region’s work in cancer research and the people involved in the new institute.

Items include:

• Keyring memento of ‘Ciao’, the Italia ’90 World Cup mascot, and one of Sir Bobby’s England blazer badges from the Robson family
• Shorts from the Mexico ’86 World Cup, donated by Peter Reid (pictured below)
• A clinical paper on, and an empty bottle of, Rucaparib, the ‘Geordie’ cancer drug developed by Newcastle University chemists and first trialled at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Research Trials Centre
• Photographs of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials teams, with personal messages of hope for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute
• Sir Bobby’s autobiography
• Messages from current Newcastle Hospitals clinical trials patients and their families
• A signed World Cup 2026 photograph from Newcastle United’s Dan Burn (pictured below)
• A miniature model of the Sir Bobby Robson Institute from Derek Shepherd, P+HS Architects
• A medal from the AJ Bell Great North Run 2026
• An AJ Bell Great North Run 2026 Sir Bobby Robson Foundation T-shirt worn by ‘Sir Bobby’s Team’
• A Sir Bobby Robson Institute campaign pin badge
• A stethoscope, lab coat, lanyards and tote bag from Newcastle University, alongside a photograph of Newcastle University’s School of Medicine MBBS Graduating Class of 2026

Peter says: “It’s amazing that £29 million has already been raised to build this institute and I’m really proud to be playing even a small part in raising the last £1 million needed.

“Like most people, I’ve had loved ones affected by cancer. 

“Thankfully my daughter Louise’s cervical cancer treatment was successful but that’s why investing in the future of cancer research is so important. 

“We need to make sure we’re always improving.

“It was only recently that we lost my friend Kevin Keegan to the disease, so anything that can help change those outcomes is something we should all be backing.”

Construction of the institute began earlier this year, with the new centre designed to accelerate breakthroughs in cancer treatment and provide more patients across the region with access to experimental therapies.

With the project now entering its final fundraising phase, the foundation is calling on the public to help raise the remaining £1 million needed for the institute.

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, added: “This final phase of fundraising is absolutely vital to us and we’re asking anyone who has been affected by cancer to join what my Dad called his “last and greatest team,” and help us get us over the line by raising the final £1 million we need.

“Whether you've had a family member, friend, partner or colleague with cancer, or lost someone dear to you, this is an opportunity to really change the game in terms of research into the disease.

“I know many people who fundraise for us are inspired by my Dad’s life and his determination to succeed. 

“Whatever the motivation, we’re looking for even more people to join ‘Sir Bobby’s Team’ and help us get over the line.

“There are so many ways to get involved with community fundraising and every contribution helps us fund pioneering cancer research that will give hope to patients and families affected by cancer now and in the future.”

For more information about the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, click here.

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