VIKINGS IN THE COMMUNITY Foundation partners raise £80k in a year
MORE than £80,000 has been raised during a three year partnership between Widnes Vikings and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
A cheque worth £22,000 was presented at the Dacia Magic Weekend at St James’ Park in Newcastle by Vikings ambassador and football legend Peter Beardsley with the club’s director Brian O’Connor to Sir Bobby’s son, Andrew Robson.
Almost £85,000 has now been raised through various fundraising efforts by the Vikings since 2015 for the cancer charity, which was established by legendary former England and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby.
Andrew said: “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 that 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.”
While the club was celebrating their fundraising achievements on the pitch, and the famous Gallowgate stand was filling up with the black and white 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 charity’s logo on the chest.
Vikings ambassador former Newcastle star Peter said: “The journey I have been on with the Vikings has been amaz- ● ing. To achieve a total of almost £85,000 in three years is incredible and a monumental achievement. It is very special.”
The Vikings have been the driving force behind an initiative named ‘Destination Magic’, which involved corporate 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 just a few of the companies to support the campaign, which concluded with an articulated Stobart Group truck driving in convoy with the Vikings team coach to make the final delivery into the stadium.
Vikings director Brian said: “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.”
Liz Luff, from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, added: “We really value the support we receive from Widnes Vikings and their supporters. To be offered the opportunity to get involved with a Super League club and a fantastic event like Magic Weekend is just wonderful. Their efforts in raising £80,000 for the foundation are inspiring.”
“It’s always such a positive experience working with Widnes, and Destination Magic is another example of the community-minded thinking we associate with the club.
“We were proud to see our logo on the front of the Vikings’ shirts and very grateful to Widnes and their Primary Partner for making that happen once again.