Help us raise the final £3.5m needed to build the institute
Help us build a world-leading cancer trials research centre
Sir Bobby Robson believed passionately in giving people hope, and that belief inspired everything his Foundation has achieved. Now it’s building a world‑leading cancer trials research centre.
Construction of the Sir Bobby Robson Institute is now underway, but this is only the beginning. To complete and fully equip this world‑leading cancer trials research centre, we need your support.
About the institute
This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to transform cancer research and care in our region. The £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute will sit directly opposite the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital. Part of Newcastle Hospitals, the Institute will:
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Increase clinical trials capacity by 50%, giving more patients access to pioneering treatments
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Accelerate the development of life‑changing and life‑saving drugs and therapies
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Bring together clinicians, researchers and patients in one purpose‑built, state‑of‑the‑art centre
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Create breakthroughs that will be felt across the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire and around the world.
How can you help?
Sir Bobby called his Foundation “his last and greatest team”. Now, this is your chance to play your part. Help us continue his legacy and create a beacon of hope for patients in our region.
Thanks to the dedication of incredible fundraisers, donors and supporters of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, we have already raised over £26.5 million towards this landmark project. To complete and fully equip the Institute by 2027, we need your help to raise the final funds.
There are so many ways you can get involved — from taking on a challenge event, to hosting a coffee morning, do your own fundraising, or making a personal or corporate donation. Every gift, no matter the size, will help create a beacon of hope for people facing cancer across our region. If you’d like more ideas or want to talk about how you can support the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, get in touch with our fundraising team or visit our website for inspiration, resources and ways to get started.
Fundraising
Frequently Asked Questions
The appeal is raising funds to establish a world-leading cancer research and trials centre in Sir Bobby’s name, growing capacity to accelerate breakthrough treatments and improve patient outcomes.
There are multiple ways to support, including individual philanthropy, corporate sponsorships, research partnerships, employee engagement initiatives, naming opportunities, nominating the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as your Charity of the Year and legacy giving.
We’d be happy to discuss how you can make a meaningful impact.
Yes, there are opportunities to name patient spaces, laboratories, and key facilities within the Institute to recognise significant contributions.
If our appeal target is exceeded then the additional monies will be held by the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, to fund projects that directly benefit cancer patients from the North East, North Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
The Institute will be built at the Freeman Hospital, behind the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, adjacent to the cancer support centre, Maggie’s Newcastle.
The Institute will be owned and operated byThe Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and fully integrated into the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Freeman Hospital, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact for generations to come.
The Institute will bring together the existing Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and the Oncology and Haematology Research Team.
This will create a world leading centre of excellence for early and late phase clinical trials covering the full range of solid and haematological malignancies ensuring access to novel therapies for patients throughout the whole northern region.