NORTHUMBERLAND TARTAN AND SIR BOBBY ROBSON FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP

A traditional border tartan is now fulfilling a new role and helping fund cutting-edge cancer treatment in the north of England, thanks to a new collaboration with our Foundation.

Steve Harmison with Lee Shevills

A special range of clothing created by The Northumberland Tartan Company in the distinctive black and white Shepherd or Border plaid, the official tartan of the county, has just been released for sale to raise funds for our Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity.

The funds raised through the branded scarves, hats and ties will help continue the pioneering cancer treatment and innovative cancer support services funded by us, including the clinical trials of new drugs at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.

Since 2001, The Northumberland Tartan Company has been producing a range of gifts and clothing using the very special traditional tartan design. The company was bought by Hayley Harmison and Heidi Colledge in 2016 and, as well offering as a wide range of gifts in the black and white design, provides kilts for wedding hire.

The pair are excited to be launching the Sir Bobby range, which is being sold via the Newcastle Hospitals Charity website and in hospital shops in the Freeman Hospital and Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

For Hayley, the link between The Northumberland Tartan Company and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is very personal.

Hayley, a Northumberland Tartan Company director, explains: “My husband, Steve, absolutely adored Sir Bobby. When Steve was still playing cricket, he trained with the Newcastle United team under Sir Bobby’s supervision and he’s always been keen to support the Foundation in any way he can.

“We’ve become friends with the Robson family and when Steve had his testimonial year at Durham Cricket Club he chose the Bobby Robson Foundation to benefit. We were both very keen to continue that relationship though Northumberland Tartan and, hopefully, this new clothing range will be a huge success and help fund even more cancer research in our region.”

Made in mills in Scotland and discreetly branded with our logo, the ties and caps are made from pure new wool and the scarves are 100% lambswool.

Lee Shevills, retail manager at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled with this Sir Bobby clothing range. The classic design gives them an enduring appeal and Sir Bobby’s family were very impressed by the quality.

“The hat and scarf will keep you nice and warm at the football or rugby and the tie is ideal for work and weddings. We’re sure the whole range will be extremely popular.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation-branded Northumberland Tartan range is available in the Newcastle Hospitals Charity shops at the Freeman Hospital or buy online: https://charity-shop.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/collections/featured-products