Sir Bobby Robson legacy lives on

Jul 31 2011 Sunday Sun

THE family of Sir Bobby Robson has paid tribute to the footballing legend as they mark the second anniversary of his death today.

The former Newcastle, England and Ipswich manager passed away on July 31 two years ago surrounded by his family, after finally succumbing to the cancer he bravely fought five times.

As he battled on for the last 18 months of his life, Sir Bobby, who grew up at Langley Park near Durham, devoted his time to raising funds to support those pioneering the fight against the devastating disease.

In March 2008 he created The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to focus on the early detection and treatment of cancer and the clinical trials of new drugs that will eventually beat it.

His son, Mark Robson, said: “We have no plans to do anything in particular to mark the anniversary of losing dad but we’ll be in contact with other members of the family. I expect it will be a quiet time for us all.

“It’s incredible how great the support and feeling for dad still is. We’re very proud of everything his charity has achieved and is continuing to achieve and grateful to everyone who is helping to raise money for us.

“Dad described the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as his legacy to help other people fighting cancer and that’s just what it is.

“In addition to what we’ve already funded, the medical trustees of the charity are investigating some very promising new pieces of cancer equipment and potentially funding additional research personnel.