A dinner to mark the end of the incredible Bike For Bobby charity challenge raised thousands of pounds to fight cancer this week.
The ‘Geordie Legends’ dinner at the Hilton, Gateshead, celebrated the achievements of former Newcastle United, Sunderland AFC, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers and Hartlepool United defender Robbie Elliott who recently completed the 3,500 mile Bike For Bobby cycle ride with his friend, triathlete, Phil Gray,
Bike For Bobby, an epic cycling challenge to ride between the eight clubs, in four different countries, managed by Sir Bobby Robson, raised funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Guests at the celebration event included World Cup winner Jack Charlton and Lady Elsie Robson who spoke of her admiration and gratitude to all the Bike For Bobby team.
Lady Elsie says: “Through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, we’re able to help the experts find better ways to detect and treat cancer. And we can only do that thanks to the belief and hard work of people fund-raising on our behalf and the wonderful generosity of those people who support and sponsor them.
“I’m simply amazed that Robbie and Phil completed this incredible ride, and on schedule, despite all the many challenges they came up against. That shows a very special level of dedication and courage.
“What they have achieved is something they should take great personal pride in and I know my husband would also be very proud of them.”
Hundreds of guests turned out for the black tie event, which featured stunning footage from the Bike For Bobby documentary, live music and comedy from Simon Donald.
Alan Shearer, a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and Ant and Dec were unable to attend due to television commitments but sent video messages of congratulations to Robbie and Phil.
Robbie says: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the dinner for showing their support for two wonderful charities.
“I had a great night and it was a lovely way for Phil and I to round things off surrounded by friends and family.”
Robbie Elliott founded The Robbie Elliott Foundation earlier this year as a registered charity to raise funds to fight cancer. Bike For Bobby is jointly in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Bike For Bobby Geordie Legends Dinner – Auction Prizes
If you would like to make a private bid, please email enquiries@robbieelliottfoundation.org
Private bidding closes at 7pm on Sunday 25th November. The auction will come to completion at the dinner and winners announced at a later date.
One of Robbie Elliott’s Newcastle United team mates is adding his congratulations to the former defender’s well-earned plaudits on achieving the incredible 3,500 mile Bike For Bobby challenge.
Alan Shearer is a Patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which, along with Breakthrough Breast Cancer, will benefit from the money raised through Bike For Bobby. He is full of admiration for Robbie and his co-rider Phil Gray and their great efforts to raise funds to fight cancer.
Alan says: “I met up with Robbie and Phil to wish them luck before they set off. Then when Rob told me their plans in a bit more detail I thought – they really are going to need luck on their side to complete this.
“I’ve done a bit of long-distance cycling and found it very hard going and the scale of Bike For Bobby was unbelievable. The route they took, and the clubs they visited on the way, reinforced for me just how special Sir Bobby’s managerial career was and I hear they got a warm welcome everywhere they went.”
Robbie, a former Newcastle United, Sunderland AFC, Leeds United, Bolton Wanders and Hartlepool United player, founded his own charity, The Robbie Elliott Foundation, this year to raise funds to fight cancer. The initial aim of Robbie’s own charity is to raise money in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
Bike For Bobby, was an epic cycling challenge undertaken by Robbie and his friend, triathlete Phil Gray, to ride between the eight clubs, in four different countries, managed by Sir Bobby Robson.
It proved very hard and the duo battled mountains, road closures, punctures, injuries and an illness to Robbie, which threatened the future of the ride. Incredibly, they cycled the equivalent of scaling Everest three times.
Alan adds: “I know the challenge was very hard physically and mentally and that both Robbie and Phil were spurred on knowing they were raising money to help fight cancer. To have finished it on time despite the awful weather, illness and injuries is something for them both to be very proud of.
“I’ve no doubts Sir Bobby would be hugely touched by the efforts of the whole Bike For Bobby team.”
To donate to Bike For Bobby please visit www.bikeforbobby.com. Final tickets are also available for Sunday’s (25th November) ‘Geordie Legends’ charity dinner at the Gateshead Hilton.
Guests at the Bike For Bobby celebration event include Lady Elsie Robson, boxers Glenn McCrory, Billy Hardy and John Davison, Paralympian Stephen Miller, cricketer Steve Harmison, actor Stephen Tompkinson and footballers Jackie Charlton, Liam O’Brien, Paul Kitson, John Beresford, Rob Lee and Steve Howey.
The evening will feature stunning footage from the Bike For Bobby documentary, music and comedy from Simon Donald. Tickets cost £100 and are available by emailing kirsty@robbieelliottfoundation.org.
Robbie and Phil enjoyed a triumphant return to Tyneside today as they finally completed their 3,500 mile-plus charity challenge.
Family, friends and hundreds of local cyclists packed the grounds of Ponteland High School as the duo arrived with minutes to spare before the inaugural Bike For Bobby Cycle Sportive. (more…)
Europe might be a distant memory but it’s the final countdown for Bike For Bobby duo Robbie and Phil.
After 24 days of blood, sweat and tears the dynamic duo are less than 24 hours from the thrilling finale to their epic 3,500-mile journey. (more…)
Phil and Robbie have the home straight in sight as Bike For Bobby nears its thrilling finale this weekend!
The determined duo put in another punishing stretch today with the prospect of a reunion with family and friends driving them forward. (more…)
Robbie and Phil enjoyed one of the true highs of Bike For Bobby on Day 22 after describing Ipswich Town as the perfect hosts.
The duo joined current manager Mick McCarthy (pictured) and former players Bryan Hamilton and Mick Mills for a VIP tour of Portman Road. (more…)
London was calling on Day 21 of Bike For Bobby as Robbie and Phil cycled across the capital with a little help from their friends.
The duo arrived at Fulham’s Craven Cottage this afternoon to be greeted by former England and Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee and Sky Sports’ Ben Shephard. (more…)
Robbie and Phil are back on home soil as the Bike For Bobby heroes close in on Saturday’s eagerly anticipated Newcastle finale.
The gutsy pair rode out of Bruges early this morning en route to Calais and managed to catch a mid-afternoon channel tunnel train to Folkestone. (more…)