This year’s NE1 Newcastle Dragon Boat Race will do more than bring colour and competition to the Quayside, with fundraising set to support the life-changing work of Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Every year, thousands of spectators are drawn to Newcastle’s Quayside to cheer on teams in the NE1 Newcastle Dragon Boat Race.
This September, as well as competing for the coveted title of Dragon Boat Champions 2026, racers will also be helping to raise funds for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity.
NE1’s hugely popular Dragon Boat Race on the River Tyne takes place on Saturday 26 September.
Shola Ameobi, who played under Sir Bobby at Newcastle United, was on hand to help announce the new charity partnership alongside lion and dragon performers from Edmund Ng’s Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu, Lion and Dragon Club and NE1 Chief Executive, Stephen Patterson.
Shola Ameobi said:
“This is a really exciting way to help support the work of Sir Bobby’s Foundation and I hear the boats sold out fast.
“I’ve no doubts that this event would have appealed to Sir Bobby. He would have loved seeing each boat work together as a team, and he would have taken great pride in the event supporting his Foundation’s work.
“That support is more important than ever now, as everyone’s working hard to find the funding needed to build the Sir Bobby Robson Institute. The new institute will bring more clinical trials and promising new cancer treatments to the region and that’s something we can all pull together on.”
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation will begin funding construction of the £30m Sir Bobby Robson Institute this year.
A world-leading cancer trials hub for the region at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, it will provide patient-centred cancer care and research to find new and faster ways to detect and treat cancer.
With over £20 million raised so far thanks to the generosity of Sir Bobby Robson Foundation supporters, support for The Sir Bobby Robson Institute is now crucial to raise the final funds to complete and fully equip the Institute by 2027.
Stephen Patterson, CEO of race organisers, NE1 said:
“We’re proud to welcome The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as the fundraising partner for this year’s NE1 Dragon Boat Race. Teamwork is central to success on race day, and we hope our racers will take inspiration from Sir Bobby’s legacy.
“It is a day We encourage everyone to come down to enjoy the event and support the fundraising activities. Put the date in your diary.”
At this year’s event, crowds will line the Quayside to cheer on the competitors, while a range of free, family-friendly activities will bring plenty of excitement on dry land too.
Visitors can enjoy crafts, live performers, face painting, and other entertainment throughout the day. Racers will also be able to join in these activities between their races, making it a fantastic event for participants and spectators.
While the all boats are sold for this year, supporters can still get involved by sponsoring the event and raising funds for The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. For more details, contact: kitty.brown@newcastlene1ltd.com.
If you missed out on a boat this year, get in early for the Dragon Boat Race 2027 by registering your interest at ne1dragonboatrace.com.
For Sir Bobby Robson Institute fundraising enquiries please contact Kate Bradley: Kate.bradley14@nhs.net or call 0191 213 7235.
