A North East football legend will lace up his running shoes for this year's Great North Run to help fund a pioneering cancer treatment centre inspired by one of the region's most beloved sporting figures.
Peter Reid, who managed Sunderland AFC and played for England under Sir Bobby Robson at the 1986 World Cup, will join thousands of runners in support of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
All funds raised this year will go towards the completion of the £30 million Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a state-of-the-art cancer drug trials facility at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
Sunderland AFC legend Peter Reid
(Image: Supplied)
Mr Reid said: "I last did the Great North Run when I was at Sunderland.
"In fact, I think I wore a red and white shirt with a monkey’s head on the back to wind up the Newcastle fans.
"I also started the run alongside Sir Bobby, which was very special.
"I’ve done a few 10ks over the years but when I heard about The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and everything it’s trying to do building this new institute, I wanted to help.
"My 70th feels like a landmark, and I quite like working towards goals so this felt right."
The institute will deliver innovative cancer treatments for 3.5 million people across the North East, North Cumbria, and North Yorkshire, with the potential to make a global impact.
Mr Reid’s involvement is particularly poignant given his personal experiences with cancer.
He said: "You read so many things about cancer and obviously we lost Sir Bobby and more recently Kevin Keegan to it.
"Really, you think, there but for the grace of God go I.
"My daughter had cervical cancer and thankfully her treatment was successful but cancer is something we all live with.
"We can fight against cancer together and I’m proud to be running for Sir Bobby’s Foundation.
"He was a wonderful man, a really warm man who was always great with me.
"It will be an honour to do the Great North Run for his charity."
This year’s Great North Run, taking place on Sunday, September 13, will see foundation supporters don football-themed Sir Bobby’s Team t-shirts in tribute to Sir Bobby Robson’s legacy.
Among those joining Peter Reid are cancer patients, clinical trials researchers, members of Sir Bobby’s family, and construction workers involved in building the institute.
Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son and chair of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, said: "The Great North Run is important to us every year, but there’s no doubt this time will be extra special for our runners as we push hard to finish fundraising for the Sir Bobby Robson Institute.
"Dad called his foundation his 'last and greatest team,' and we’re very grateful to everyone taking on this challenge for us.
"It’s especially meaningful that, 40 years after playing for Dad at the World Cup in Mexico, Peter is still playing a key part in his team.
"We love the idea of all our runners running under the banner of Sir Bobby’s Team and hope they all love our football style running t-shirts as much as we do."
The Sir Bobby Robson Institute will expand cancer research and treatment opportunities, increasing the number of clinical trials available in the region.
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To date, £28.5 million of the £30 million target has been raised, thanks to dedicated supporters, fundraisers, and donors including The Barbour Foundation.
The AJ Bell Great North Run, the world’s largest half marathon, attracts 63,000 runners and has raised millions for charity since its inception in 1981.
To sponsor Peter Reid’s run, visit www.justgiving.com/page/peter-reid-gnr-2026.
For more information about the Sir Bobby Robson Institute, go to www.sirbobbysgreatestteam.co.uk.