Hi everyone

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On Sunday 20th September I'll be taking part in my 4th Great North Run. I raised money for charity the 3 previous times I've run and had decided I wasn't going to on this occasion. However, all that changed when I watched events from St. James' Park on Sunday 26th July - a charity match held in honour of Sir Bobby Robson raising funds for his Foundation. I thought if Sir Bobby could make such an effort to continue with his charity work despite his own health issues then what excuse did I have? ...and so it was that I decided to raise money for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. The Foundation operates under the umbrella of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Charity raising funds for the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and in particular the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre. The centre concentrates on early cancer detection as well as carrying out clinical trials on new medications.

Just 5 days after Sir Bobby attended St. James' Park, the place where he loved to be most, he lost his final battle. He didn't lose his war against cancer though, he won 4-1.

I, like many thousands around the world not just in the North East of England, was absolutely devastated by the news but oh so proud that he was part of my life. Italia '90 will live long in the memory as will Sir Bobby's years managing the club he always wanted to manage, his home town club Newcastle United.

So once again thanks for visiting my page and please sponsor me whatever you can to help this fantastic charity.

Many thanks

Mark

P.S. If you have time take a look at the video I have uploaded of Sir Bob.