Sir Bobby Robson’s legacy for children with cancer receiving support from Newcastle United Foundation

More than 250 children and teenagers living with cancer in the North East have been given opportunities to learn, play and build long lasting friendships with Newcastle United Foundation through an incredible legacy created by Sir Bobby Robson.

On what would have been Sir Bobby’s 90th birthday on February 18, the Foundation is honouring the 252 young people who have connected with the charity while receiving treatment at the Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH) over the past five years.

An important partnership with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Newcastle Hospitals Charity allows Newcastle United Foundation staff led by Gareth Williams – GNCH Project Coordinator – to work year-round with young patients and their families on paediatric oncology wards, providing crucial respite support through activities, games and team building.

Promoting positive mental wellbeing for children and teenagers on the wards, as well as engaging siblings and families, the charity’s work in GNCH is a fitting tribute to Sir Bobby who launched his Foundation in 2008 in the hopes of helping others facing cancer.

Sir Bobby’s son, Mark Robson, said: “I know Dad was always very touched by the support his Foundation receives from within football and he’d be so proud to know we’re working in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation and helping children with cancer here in the North East.

“As well as funding Gareth, Dad’s Foundation also funds roles within the Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital. That means we’re not only able to support children on a day-to-day basis, we’re also playing a part in finding better treatments and drugs to combat cancer.

“Dad was always so positive about the future for cancer research and I know he’d be thrilled by the progress we’re making. He’d also tell us not to take our foot off the gas!”

As well as engaging on the wards, the Foundation invites young patients to enjoy sport and family activities outside hospital where possible, including fun-filled parties at St. James’ Park and tickets to Newcastle United home games.

The Foundation recently invited Newcastle United’s Dan Burn to meet families at GNCH, playing ward-based games adapted for young patients, while also signing autographs and taking pictures with young people and their families spending time in hospital.

Following his time on the ward, Burn noted Sir Bobby had created “an incredible legacy” and admired the “brilliant work” being done in his name.

A studio named after Sir Bobby Robson’s foundation, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Activity Studio is also open for use in Newcastle United Foundation’s home – NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society.

By day, the studio is enjoyed by the community as a fitness, learning and event space before being transformed into a warm space for families living near NUCASTLE on weekday evenings.

Gareth Williams, Great North Children’s Hospital Project Coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “It is an honour to have built this programme alongside the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation over the past five and a half years and to help families and young people receiving cancer treatment.

“We have connected with more than 250 young people since starting the programme Together, we have helped to create and share so many special moments over that time and it is a hugely rewarding role for me.

“Sir Bobby hoped to leave a legacy through his Foundation, and I see every day that he has been able to achieve just that.”

The partnership between Newcastle United Foundation and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was formed in 2017 and is made possible through vital funding managed by the Newcastle Hospitals Charity.

Across 60 hours of Foundation staff contact time per week, young patients build strong relationships with the project team who take Newcastle United into the community.

Jon Goodwin, Head of Grant Programmes at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, who manages grant-making from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, said: “You don’t have to be a Newcastle United fan to understand the power that football can have in inspiring and motivating young people, taking their minds off their illness and giving them hope and excitement.

“We are delighted to be able to honour Sir Bobby’s legacy by funding Gareth’s post at the Great North Children’s Hospital.

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact that he has on our young cancer patients by brightening their day, keeping them active, and creating unforgettable experiences, and I’m sure that Sir Bobby would be very proud of our ongoing partnership.”

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