Backing a winner for Sir Bobby at Newcastle races

newcastle_racecourseAlways a highlight in the region’s social calendar, the Collingwood Insurance Beeswing Ladies Day at Newcastle Racecourse combines action and glamour like no other event.

More than 20,000 visitors will pack out High Gosforth Park for what is always a memorable flat racing day as well as an opportunity to dress up to the nines.

And this year, Newcastle United’s goalkeeping coach, Andy Woodman, is creating a very special event through his hospitality company Number 1 Promotions that will not only add to the occasion but will also raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Having lost his mum, Gail, to cervical cancer when he was just 17, it is a charity which Andy is very keen to support.

Andy says: “Losing my mum to cancer when I was so young was incredibly hard.  I was a young footballer then and she’d always been my biggest supporter.  My brother and I just didn’t believe she would die.

“Cancer is a very cruel disease and sadly too many people have to go through what we all did.  That’s why it’s so important to keep supporting charities like the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“I never had the pleasure of meeting Sir Bobby in person but he feels ever present at the club training ground.  There’s a huge picture of him on the wall of the manager’s office so he’s there every day when we have our morning meeting.  It’s like he’s keeping an eye on us all.

“I’ve heard so many stories about him and been to events raising money for his charity.  The work it funds is amazing and I’m really proud to be doing my bit to help.”

For the last 11 years, Andy has run similar hospitality events at the Epsom Derby raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process.

Guests in the Number 1 Promotions Luxury Pavilion and Enclosure will spend Ladies Day rubbing shoulders with sports and show business celebrities while helping to raise money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Launched by Sir Bobby in 2008, the charity aims to find better ways to detect and treat cancer and to do so while directly helping patients in this region currently receiving treatment.  It also helps fund projects which improve cancer patient care.

Andy adds: “We’ve had great support and enthusiasm for the event from everyone here at the racecourse and from Newcastle’s players and staff.  I’m really grateful for that.

“With every event like this there’s a moment afterwards when you feel you’ve achieved something important.  Because this is helping Sir Bobby and raising money to help cancer patients I know it will be a particularly special moment this time.”

The Collingwood Insurance Beeswing Ladies Day is on Saturday 27th July.  For more information, please visit www.no1promotions.com or call Number 1 Promotions on 08450 569360.