FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING ‘FORE’ OUR FOUNDATION

Russell Cooke, a postman from Alnwick, has raised over £3,000 for us after he was inspired to fundraise during hospital visits with his wife.

The Alnwick Castle Golf Club Captain picked our Foundation as his chosen charity after his wife, Louise, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

Louise began daily radiotherapy treatment at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle in December and Russell spent a lot of time in the waiting area while she was being cared for.

The couple have three sons and Louise’s diagnosis came out of the blue for the family.

Russell explains: “Hearing that diagnosis is obviously very hard for anyone and our whole family is really grateful for the care Louise received.

“From the hospital’s radiotherapy waiting area I could look up across the courtyard and see all the football pictures on the wall of the corridor upstairs. That’s the corridor that leads to the Sir Bobby Cancer Centre and it set me thinking, not just about what Louise was going through, but everyone else facing cancer.

“When I had the opportunity to choose a charity to support during my captain’s year at Alnwick Castle Golf Club, Sir Bobby’s was the one that came straight to mind. I wanted to do something positive to say thanks for Louise’s treatment and that would help other people in the same position.”

Golf clubs across the region, from Eyemouth to Durham, responded to Russell’s request for help with prizes for a silent auction, as did local businesses.

Russell adds: “I’ve been really touched by the support for my fundraising from everyone at our golf club and locally. Other golf clubs across the region have also donated prizes and I’ve raised much more than I thought would be possible.

“I know the money is going to a charity that’s helping people in our region and my hope is it will help other people when they suddenly hear that awful diagnosis. Thankfully, Louise has now received the all clear and that’s been a wonderful relief for us all.”

Emma McQuitty, fundraising coordinator at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, says: “We know Russell’s fundraising for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has been very personal for him and he’s raised a fantastic amount.

“It’s wonderful to see how well he’s been supported by members of the Alnwick Castle Golf Club and the local community. Our thanks to everyone who has donated and helped him.”