11:40AM, Sun Oct 14, 2012

Alan Shearer And Joe McElderry Launch Sir Bobby Robson Fundraiser

By Nisha Joshi Location: Gateshead

Video: Shearer and McElderry unite for Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer and X Factor winner Joe McElderry have announced a special charity gala in memory of Sir Bobby Robson.

Sir Bobby Robson – A Celebration will take place at The Sage Gateshead on 18 February 2013 – what would have been the former Newcastle manager’s 80th birthday.

It will feature Sir Bobby’s ‘Desert Island Discs’ and favourite music performed by artists including the Northern Sinfonia and The Unthanks.

Comedians Paul Whitehouse and Simon Day will also perform.

The event will be hosted by Jim Rosenthal and will feature famous football figures, including England manager Roy Hodgson.

The event had originally been due to take place in 2009, but had to be postponed due to Sir Bobby Robson’s alling health.

That year, Sir Bobby gave some of his final ever interviews to the event organisers, and they will be played during the gala.

Money raised from the event will go to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which funds projects that directly benefit cancer patients from across the North East and Cumbria.

Money will also go to The Alan Shearer Foundation, which is part of St Cuthberts Care and helps children and adults with profound disabilities.