Cyclists participating in the annual “Three Days for Bobby” charity ride departed from St James’ Park in Newcastle on Wednesday, surrounded by tributes to the late Kevin Keegan, who died earlier this week after battling stage four cancer. Keegan, a celebrated former Newcastle United player and manager, passed away at the age of 75 on Monday, prompting an outpouring of grief among fans who have left flowers, shirts, scarves, and memorabilia outside the stadium in his honor.

The ride, organized by The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, raises funds for cancer research and treatment in memory of Sir Bobby Robson, the former Newcastle and England manager who succumbed to cancer in 2009 after five battles with the disease. This year marks the 15th rendition of the event, which brings together cyclists and supporters from Tyneside and Teesside.

Stephen Hay, a project manager at Northumbrian Water and the event organizer, remarked on the deepening significance of the ride over the years. “We began fundraising for Sir Bobby, and now it’s also in memory of King Kev and everyone we’ve lost in the intervening years to cancer too,” he said. Hay pointed out that many participants have lost loved ones to the disease, and the procession takes on added meaning as a tribute to those affected.

This year’s route covers approximately 160 miles, concluding at the home of PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, a club also once managed by Sir Bobby Robson. A total of 21 cyclists, supported by several support drivers, are taking part in the ride, which aims to generate funds for the construction of the £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute on the Freeman Hospital site.

The institute, which has recently begun construction, is fully funded by the foundation. Once completed, it is expected to serve around 3.5 million people across the North East, North Cumbria, and North Yorkshire regions. To date, £26.5 million has been raised toward the project, surpassing the initial £20 million target. Key contributors include longstanding supporters and founding donors such as The Barbour Foundation.

Anisa Rahim, Campaign Officer at The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, emphasized the importance of events like the charity ride. “Fundraising like this is the bedrock of our Foundation and we’re always grateful for that support,” she said, expressing appreciation for the ongoing efforts of cyclists and donors alike.

As the cyclists set off amid the poignant tributes at St James’ Park, the ride not only commemorates the legacy of Sir Bobby Robson but also honors Kevin Keegan and others affected by cancer, underscoring the continued commitment within the football community to fight the disease.