Football's greats line up to back Sir Bobby; Big names lend support to cancer foundation.

Byline: By SARA NICHOL

EMOTION was etched on every face as sporting giants outlined their reasons for backing Sir Bobby Robson's cancer foundation.

Speaking of their admiration and respect for the former England and Newcastle United manager, sport pundits Des Lynam, OBE, Bob Wilson, OBE, and Jim Rosenthal sat at his side, supporting his bid to raise pounds 500,000 to equip a new cancer unit.

Each spoke with a heartfelt sincerity and passion in helping Sir Bobby reach his goal.

Holding back the tears as he spoke of his daughter Anna's battle with cancer, and her i eventual tragic death, Bob Wilson voiced his support for the centre, which aims to become the best in Europe.

"It's a great privilege for us to be here, believe you me," said the former Arsenal goalkeeper.

"I'm here because of the amazing human being that is Sir Bobby Robson.

"My daughter Anna was only 26 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She was an extraordinary girl.

"The five years that Anna battled cancer were quite amazing and enriching for me.

"But, after 16 operations, it was the medical experts that gave us those five years with her.

"Our charity started with just 17 special days dedicated to terminally ill adults. Nine years on and we're a charity with 30 staff and we require pounds 3.5m a year funds.

"That proves that people understand. We are here because of the generosity of these people.

"It's a massive amount of money but I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we raised it by midnight tonight. I know the passion of the people in the North East and I know the passion in this man."

Yesterday the Chronicle reported of Sir Bobby's reasons for getting involved with the foundation and his quest to give something back to the people that saved his life.

Fighting cancer for the fifth time, and for the first time being faced with tumours that are inoperable, the inspirational football hero looked tired as he spoke, but he still beamed with enthusiasm at trying to reach his target by June. Des Lynam said: "Which of our lives has not been touched by cancer somewhere along the line?

"It's vital that we give the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation our support as it is typical of Sir Bobby to be thinking of and trying to help other people before himself.

"That's the kind of man he is. He is a fighter."

Des Lynam finished his speech with a video of Sir Bobby's football career and describing him as a: "Geordie, gentleman and giant."

All the money raised will go towards equipping a state-of-the-art cancer unit at the Northern Centre for Cancer Research at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

The centre will be aimed at the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Sir Bobby pledged his support for the cause after Dr Ruth Plummer, an oncologist who helped care for him during his treatment, approached him and asked for a contact that could help with raising money.

After speaking with his wife, he decided to back the foundation.

Now his courage and determination in beating the disease has been transferred into his efforts to reach the pounds 500,000 minimum fundraising target.

Jim Rosenthal noted that determination and said: "I would just like to say how privileged I feel that Sir Bobby has asked me to join him." To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/thesirbobby-robsonfoudnation or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton, NE7 7QG.

Donors will receive a personalised certificate and a letter of thanks from Sir Bobby.

"It's vital that we give the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation our support as it is typical of Sir Bobby to be trying to help other people before himself

To see a video of Sir Bobby talking about his campaign, log on to: www.chroniclelive.co.uk

CAPTION(S):

SUPPORT: Des Lynam, OBE, backed the compaign and called Sir Boddy a 'Geordie, gentleman and giant'.; FAMOUS LINE UP: (L-R) Jim Rosenthal, Sir Bobby Robson, oncologist Ruth Plummer, Bob Wilson OBE, and Des Lynam OBE; PICTURES: LEANNE HOLCROFT www.icNewcastle.co.uk/buyaphoto ref: 01274152