RFLF - Robert Foot Leukaemia Fund

Robert William Foot OBE 1969-2002

Robert was working as a political adviser for the Ministry of Defence in war-torn Sierra Leone when he first became ill. He was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia which is rarely found in adults, and in whom it is difficult to treat successfully. He lived with the illness for over 2 years in the manner in which he had lived his life up to that point - with determination, spirit, and courage.

Robert had previously worked in Bosnia, had travelled widely, played and watched sport with enthusiasm and expertise, and had a love of music and literature.

When given his terminal diagnosis Robert married Kath, played cricket, and with the support of his wife, family and friends, embarked upon further treatment in an attempt to survive his leukaemia.

Robert died on the 5th November 2002, with the skies outside his room filled with fireworks.

News Updates

Gala Garden Party 12th September 2010

To celebrate the wonderful achievement of raising £100,000 Mike & Wendy would like to invite everyone to a Garden Party on the 12th September 2010. For further details click here.

The latest book 'Recipes For Rob' with over 90 mouth-watering and previously unpublished recipes will be launched at the Gala Garden Party,

Details of all the money raised so far can be found here.

Trustees of RFLF were delighted to be welcomed to the opening of the Teenage Cancer Trust's new facility at Addenbrookes Hospital, named the Oasis Centre. Perhaps the most wonderful part was to be met at the door with a plaque acknowledging the contribution made by the Fund. We did have to share the plaque with some organisation called John Lewis!!! But this acknowledgement is for all of you who have helped to raise money in Rob's memory; thank you so much.

Inside we were able to see the amazing jukebox purchased by part of the £10,000 donated in April 2008 by the Fund; it had soft lights, moving bubbles, i-pod connections and much more. The only thing lacking was'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and the Waves, which was Rob's favourite song. Presently the Oasis Centre is housed in a temporary facility, but more spacious accommodation is being prepared and we hope to make further contributions when other needs are identified. Pictures are available here.

Fundraising

A big thank you to everyone who filled out the Gift Aid forms. The fund has received a cheque for £1900

A book of poetry written by friends of Rob and his family, Writing For Rob, has been published and was released on Sept 12 2009, on what would have been Rob's 40th birthday. The book contains 34 poems by 15 authors, and is available for £6.50 + £1 p&p from Mike and Wendy Foot, The Old Coach and Horses, Folgate Lane, Walpole St Peter, Wisbech, Cambs PE14 7HS. More details are available here.

Thanks to all who entered the RFLF Christmas Quizzes for 2009, and congratulations to the various winners! Answers and details of the winners can be found here.

The 2009 Rob Foot Cricket Match between the Mandarins and MOD CC's ended up in a very high scoring win for the MOD team in what was a tremendous day's cricket, raising several hundred pounds for RFLF. A report and some pictures from the day can be seen here.