Sir Bobby Robson Foundation Aims For A Million

30 April 2013, 06:00 | Updated: 30 April 2013, 06:27

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation say they are aiming to raise a million pounds in a major fund-raising event this October.

They are announcing the return of the hugely successful Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Auction & Ball held in memory of the former Ipswich Town manager and raising funds for cancer charities as well as two hospitals in the Suffolk region – the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust and the West Suffolk Hospital Charity.

 After founding the original event in 2011 and raising lose to a quarter of a million pounds, fund-raisers say they are determined that the 2013 event will be even bigger.  The organising committee includes Sir Bobby’s son Mark and they have set a target to raise over £1million for cancer causes.  

The black-tie fundraising ball will be held on 24th October 2013 at The Apex, Bury St Edmunds and will feature; an A-list host, champagne reception, four course dinner, a live auction with ‘money can’t buy’ prizes, celebrity guests and live entertainment. 

In 2011 some of the star lots were Jose Mourinho’s FIFA Ballon D’Or 2010 World Coach of the Year Award Trophy, donated by the man himself, along with FC Barcelona donating two prizes to watch them training, meet the players, receive a signed shirt and being VIP guests at Camp Nou.  Sir Alex Ferguson, Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, Andre Villas Boas, Alan Pardew, Arsene Wenger, Lewis Hamilton, Gary Lineker, Graeme Swann, David Beckham, and Ant & Dec were all fellow donators of lots. 

The money raised this year will go towards supporting clinical trials for new cancer treatments, ongoing support of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, as well as two Suffolk hospitals.

Mark Robson,  Sir Bobby’s son and part of the auction committee, continues: “Sadly, cancer is likely to affect every one of us in one way or another and my family knows first hand the pain it can cause.  That’s why we are so committed to continuing the work started by my father in supporting research for new treatments.  My family and I are very grateful to everyone who has already contributed a prize and we continue to be astounded by the generosity of the businesses and individuals who get involved.”

The online auction is being supported again by Breakthrough Breast Cancer Patron HRH The Prince of Wales, major football and sports clubs globally, plus sporting bodies, and many other organisations and corporations who have pledged their full support.