DRAMATIC FUNDRAISING FOR OUR FOUNDATION
A new play performed this summer and inspired by Sir Bobby’s life and legacy, has raised more than £5,000 for our Foundation.
Written by Jarrow playwright, Tom Kelly, ‘Bobby Robson Saved My Life’ is the story of three very different individuals and the ups and downs life throws at them, exploring the capacity of one person to have a dramatic effect on the life of another, without ever knowing it.
The play was co-produced by Ion Productions and Quayside Productions, in association with The Customs House in South Shields, and directed by Jamie Brown.
It was performed to enthusiastic audiences during July and August, premiering at The Customs House, then heading to the Ipswich Regent Theatre and Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and Opera House.
Every performance raised funds for our Foundation through ticket sales and donations and the £5,196 raised will help continue our work, finding find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
Charlie Richmond was one of the play’s producers and also acted in it. He says: “Sir Bobby has touched so many lives throughout the generations. That was really clear from the emotional response to our play both on Tyneside and in Suffolk.
“I’m proud to have been part of this production and we hope to bring ‘Bobby Robson Saved My Life’ back again in the not too distant future.”
As part of the play’s development, the public was asked to describe Sir Bobby in three words and a number of famous faces including Sting, Alan Shearer, Ant and Dec, Steve Harper, Graeme Swann, George Burley, Lee Clark, Terry Butcher and Johnny Wark, gave their support to the campaign.
Lady Elsie says: “We’re grateful to all the team behind this special play and to everyone who was kind enough to make a donation.
“It’s a lovely idea, that Bob should have made a difference to people he didn’t know, and they’ve done such a good job making those stories come to life on the stage.
“Every penny raised will help us continue to find better treatments for people facing cancer through Bob’s Foundation. In that way, I hope he always will make a difference for other people.”