How you can support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation through a fundraiser in Sunderland fan's honour

An annual golf competition held in memory of a Sunderland fan who lost his life to cancer will take place this October.
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The 10th annual golf day, held in honour of SAFC supporter Kevin Outhwaite at Ramside Hall, had to be postponed due to bad weather over the weekend but a new date has already been set for the autumn, with calls for the public to get involved and show their support.

Launched following Kevin’s death in 2010, the event raises money for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, a charity which Kevin himself chose to support during his own cancer battle.

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His family and friends unite each year to hold the golf fundraiser in his memory and though this year’s competition was postponed, Kevin’s loved ones still met with Lady Elsie Robson at Ramside.

The rearranged Kevin Outhwaite Golf Day will now be held at Ramside Hall on Friday, October 23.The rearranged Kevin Outhwaite Golf Day will now be held at Ramside Hall on Friday, October 23.
The rearranged Kevin Outhwaite Golf Day will now be held at Ramside Hall on Friday, October 23.

Kevin, who worked as a plumber for Gentoo and was from Tunstall, was just 36 when he died.

He began fundraising for the Foundation after undergoing 18 months of cancer treatment to say thank you for the hospital care he received in both Durham and Newcastle.

Lady Elsie said: “It’s such a shame that the bad weather has forced this postponement.

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"Although it was quite bright when we took some pictures outside the clubhouse, the rain has been so heavy that it’s just made the competition impossible.

Sir Bobby and Kevin Outhwaite pictured together.Sir Bobby and Kevin Outhwaite pictured together.
Sir Bobby and Kevin Outhwaite pictured together.

“I know how much hard work Kevin’s family and friends put into this event every year and it’s greatly appreciated.

“Like my husband, Kevin was poorly when he began fundraising for our Foundation and that desire to help other people who will be in the same situation as you because of cancer is truly inspiring.

“I hope the weather for the rearranged event in October is much better and I’m sure it will be a great success.”

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To date, the Foundation set up by Sir Bobby in 2008 has raised more than £14million in support of cancer patients across the North East and Cumbria.

The 10th event in Kevin's memory should have taken place over the bank holiday weekend.The 10th event in Kevin's memory should have taken place over the bank holiday weekend.
The 10th event in Kevin's memory should have taken place over the bank holiday weekend.

Kevin, who followed Sunderland AFC both home and away, met with Sir Bobby before his death.

The footballing legend, who passed away in 2009, spoke of his pride in Kevin’s fundraising, despite his own struggles with illness.

John Outhwaite, Kevin’s dad, added: “Kevin was such a popular lad. All these years later and I still get people coming up to me in the street and saying how much he meant to them.

"I think the popularity of this golf day shows that.

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“There are so many reminders of Kevin everywhere. My grandson, Jake, has a real look of his Uncle Kevin. But we try not to be sad when we think of him.

"We always want to do something positive in his memory.”

The rearranged Kevin Outhwaite Golf Day will now be held at Ramside Hall on Friday, October 23.

For further details about the event, please email Andrew Oliver on [email protected].

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