Brave Sir Bobby Robson opens cancer research centre

[asteroidblitz 12]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle5774695.ece

 

Sir Bobby Robson has made an inspiring, heartfelt and funny speech at the launch of a £500,000 research centre named after him.

 

Fabio Capello, the England coach, joined him at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle to hand over the FA's donation of £75,000 to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which has already raised £1.2 million.

 

The 76-year-old was diagnosed with the disease for a fifth time a year ago and he has dedicated much of his time since to his fundraising efforts. He raised £500,000 to equip a specialist trials centre in just seven weeks.

 

Robson was not expected to speak at the launch, but made a 15-minute speech about his battle, the inspiration he has been given from meeting fellow patients and his pride in seeing one of the leading cancer centres in Europe open.

 

He even managed to joke about his ongoing fight since he was diagnosed last March, saying: “I have had longer than a Football League manager.”

 

Robson said Capello's presence made this “a perfect day” and joked to the Italian that if he wanted to see Newcastle, "I can get you a ticket.”

 

In return, Capello said he remembered the times when they had been on opposing sides at different clubs across Europe. “But now we are here together to fight against cancer,” he said.

 

Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley, both former Newcastle players, were there to see Robson blow out candles on his cake two days after he turned 76.

 

“He set out to raise half a million pounds and did that after seven weeks," Shearer said. "They have gone on to raise £1.2 million, which is incredible, and he will continue working and continue generating success for the hospital.”

 

Beardsley said he was not surprised at his former manager’s moving and inspiring speech. “The man is unbelievable. He knows the right words for the right occasion. He makes you feel ten feet tall and when you hear him speak you don’t want him to stop. The man has an aura about him.”

 

Robson lightened the mood by looking to his former players and saying: “I said I wasn’t going to make a speech, and this is like Alan (Shearer) would say, one of my lengthy team-talks.” Then, to warm laughter, he added: “But we won.”

 

Robson, accompanied by his wife Lady Elsie, vowed to carry on fundraising, adding: “You have been absolutely magnificent with all your donations. We can raise a bit more, can't we?”

 

The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, within the Northern Centre for Care, will develop new treatments and bring together research staff in one unit, and carry out trials of drugs.

 

[Alan Shearer Is God 0]

Disgraceful on the part of the national media how Jade fucking Goody is getting more press than the great man, who is raising money to save other peoples lives.

 

This country has gone to shit.

[KingKev 0]

What a great man, you just have to like him.

[smoggeordie 0]

Disgraceful on the part of the national media how Jade fucking Goody is getting more press than the great man, who is raising money to save other peoples lives.

 

This country has gone to shit.

 

100% agreed.

[paddy 17]

Disgraceful on the part of the national media how Jade fucking Goody is getting more press than the great man, who is raising money to save other peoples lives.

 

This country has gone to shit.

 

100% agreed.

 

 

Well said

[sandman02uk 0]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle5774695.ece

 

Sir Bobby Robson has made an inspiring, heartfelt and funny speech at the launch of a £500,000 research centre named after him.

 

Fabio Capello, the England coach, joined him at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle to hand over the FA's donation of £75,000 to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which has already raised £1.2 million.

 

The 76-year-old was diagnosed with the disease for a fifth time a year ago and he has dedicated much of his time since to his fundraising efforts. He raised £500,000 to equip a specialist trials centre in just seven weeks.

 

Robson was not expected to speak at the launch, but made a 15-minute speech about his battle, the inspiration he has been given from meeting fellow patients and his pride in seeing one of the leading cancer centres in Europe open.

 

He even managed to joke about his ongoing fight since he was diagnosed last March, saying: “I have had longer than a Football League manager.”

 

Robson said Capello's presence made this “a perfect day” and joked to the Italian that if he wanted to see Newcastle, "I can get you a ticket.”

 

In return, Capello said he remembered the times when they had been on opposing sides at different clubs across Europe. “But now we are here together to fight against cancer,” he said.

 

Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley, both former Newcastle players, were there to see Robson blow out candles on his cake two days after he turned 76.

 

“He set out to raise half a million pounds and did that after seven weeks," Shearer said. "They have gone on to raise £1.2 million, which is incredible, and he will continue working and continue generating success for the hospital.”

 

Beardsley said he was not surprised at his former manager’s moving and inspiring speech. “The man is unbelievable. He knows the right words for the right occasion. He makes you feel ten feet tall and when you hear him speak you don’t want him to stop. The man has an aura about him.”

 

Robson lightened the mood by looking to his former players and saying: “I said I wasn’t going to make a speech, and this is like Alan (Shearer) would say, one of my lengthy team-talks.” Then, to warm laughter, he added: “But we won.”

 

Robson, accompanied by his wife Lady Elsie, vowed to carry on fundraising, adding: “You have been absolutely magnificent with all your donations. We can raise a bit more, can't we?”

 

The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, within the Northern Centre for Care, will develop new treatments and bring together research staff in one unit, and carry out trials of drugs.

 

 

I read this and I jusy feel in my heart the man is a gentlemen in the very meaning of the word

[Tom 14011]

What a legend.

[Chaser 1207]

He actually looks a bit better in that picture than when he was at the BBC awards last year.

 

Agree 100% on the Jade Goody point though

[Ketsbaia 0]

Agree 100% on the Jade Goody point though

 

Same here. She may be raising money for her bairns (who aren't going to be badly off as their father is a TV personality anyway) but SBR deserves the same if not more praise for his efforts. The bloke is a true legend.