Whitburn family set to take part in the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation’s Football Run

Today (Thursday, February 18) marks Sir Bobby Robson’s 88th birthday and the charity cancer that he set up before his death have launched their new fundraising activity.

Sir Bobby’s Football Run is aiming to help support the work of the charity and keep football supporters active during the current lockdown – by challenging them to run the same distance a top-flight footballer.

Typically, players run around 10km over a 90-minute match, so to complete the Football Run and ‘run a match’, participants will run 10km, whenever suits them best.

Anyone taking part is encouraged to wear their football club shirts during the challenge, something which Sir Bobby’s widow, Lady Elsie Robson is backing.

Lady Elsie said: “I think this is a wonderful idea because it’s helping raise funds for our Foundation but also getting people out and about safely during lockdown.

“We’ve had magnificent support from everyone within the whole football community and this is a lovely way of bringing together both football and fundraising.

“It’s such a positive thing to announce on Bob’s birthday, too, because he did love his birthdays. He’d talk about them for weeks in advance.

"We hope it’s something that lots of people will be able to join in with and enjoy.”

Emily Gettins, a carer from Whitburn, and her three sons, Harry, 13, Joe, 10, and Nico, five, are all looking forward to taking part in the fundraiser.

Harry and Joe both play for Sunderland City Juniors Football Club, where all eight teams have collectively set themselves an ambitious target to raise over £1,000.

Emily commented: “Our family is really looking forward to taking part in Sir Bobby’s Football Run.

“It’s a great opportunity to keep us all active while also raising funds for a fantastic charity. The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation makes such a difference to people across our region and beyond.”

If you wish for more information on Sir Bobby’s Football Run or want to sign up, then you can do so by visiting sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk.

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