Source: Team_Talk
Quinn signs up to Robson foundation
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has been unveiled as the fourth patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.[LNB] In a move which crosses the Tyne-Wear divide at the end of a week during which Newcastle snatched the bragging rights on the pitch for a couple of months at least, the former Republic of Ireland international joined Magpies legend Alan Shearer, Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson and former Ipswich and England captain Mick Mills in agreeing to becoming one of the cancer charity's representatives.[LNB]Quinn said: "In truth, in the week we are in, I wish Sir Bobby was here to get some advice from him because it has been a tough week.[LNB]"It brings home to you what football means here in the north-east and what somebody like Sir Bobby Robson has left behind in football terms.[LNB]"But when you then look at Sir Bobby as he got older and illness started to come, did he feel sorry for himself?[LNB]"No, did he hell, he went and sorted matters out where there were very serious needs in terms of finding out more about cancer sufferers who weren't really making progress and putting money into trials and finding a new way in to help cancer patients.[LNB]"Today, there are 1,000 patients receiving help from Sir Bobby's efforts, and that's incredible."[LNB]The foundation was set up to raise £500,000 but achieved that target within weeks, and the current total stands at around £2.6million.[LNB]Quinn was welcomed as a patron by Sir Bobby's widow, Lady Elsie, at a press conference at the Stadium of Light this morning.[LNB]She said: "My family and I are very happy that Niall has agreed to become a patron of the charity.[LNB]"His involvement is greatly appreciated and we know Bob would have backed our decision to ask Niall for help to carry on the fundraising work.[LNB]"Newcastle United was his first love, but my husband wanted success for all the north-east teams and we have always had wonderful support from Sunderland Football Club and its fans.[LNB]"Some things go beyond football and anyone who has been through the pain of seeing a loved one fighting this terrible disease will know that."[LNB]Quinn's first duty was to accept a cheque for £30,000 from Jill Outhwaite, whose husband Kevin, a Sunderland fan, died in March at the age of just 36.[LNB]Mrs Outhwaite carried on her husband's own fundraising work after his death and handed the cheque over in person.
