Foundation is full of praise for club’s aid
● WIDNES VIKINGS made a donation at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle that brought their fundraising total to more than £80,000 during the three-year partnership with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
This year, the Vikings have been the driving force behind the ‘Destination Magic’ initiative which involved businesses playing their part in assisting with the delivery of the Dacia Magic Weekend match ball from Widnes to St James’ Park.
Betfred, Rhino Rugby and Wilko were among the companies to support the campaign which concluded with a Stobart Group truck driving in convoy with the Vikings team coach to make the final delivery into the stadium.
Andrew Robson, son of Sir Bobby, commented: “What Widnes Vikings have done for the Foundation means a tremendous amount to the family. It is Widnes that have really made it work, which we are very appreciative of.
“It makes me feel very proud that the Vikings fans have adopted the Foundation in the way they have. The Vikings came up with the concept three years ago and every year they have done something slightly different, which has given us a great amount of exposure whilst raising a staggering amount of money.”
Vikings Ambassador and former Newcastle United, Liverpool and Everton striker, Peter Beardsley, added: “The journey I have been on with the Vikings has been amazing.
“To achieve a total of almost £85,000 in three years is incredible and a monumental achievement. It is very special.”
Whilst the club were celebrating their fundraising achievements on the pitch, and the famous Gallowgate End was filling up with the black-andwhite of Widnes, the players were also feeling at home in the Newcastle United dressing room.
Once again they prepared to take to the field in the traditional black-and-white stripes of the Magpies, adorned with the Foundation logo on the chest.
Vikings forward Hep Cahill has played in the last two Magic Weekend fixtures at St James’ Park and spoke with pride at representing the North East’s adopted Super League Club.
He said: “The atmosphere at St James’ is tremendous and there is a huge buzz around Magic Weekend. It has been the best feeling running out in the strip.
“As players, we know that we are wearing our colours but when you enter the ground and see the statue of Sir Bobby it also made us aware that we were supporting something greater.
“What the club has done with this initiative has been fantastic and although we didn’t get the result we wanted on the pitch, as players we are all proud to have been a part of it.
“I went into town the day before the game and I had locals come up to me to say that they had met me three years ago, when I was doing a promotion for Magic Weekend with the club. They told me they would be there at the game and that they would be wearing their Widnes colours. We have been lucky to feel like we have not only had the support of our fans but also everyone around town.”
Vikings director, Brian O’Connor, added: “We are very proud to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
“To raise £80,000 for the charity in just three years is an incredible achievement and we are grateful to every supporter and club partner who has backed this effort.
“I am also extremely grateful to all the staff at the club, many of whom have donated their own time to ensure that the initiative was a success.
“We know that the every penny raised makes a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.”