GOALKEEPER Steve Harper has been announced as a patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The former Newcastle stopper is the first new patron of the charity since Lady Elsie asked friends from within football, including Niall Quinn, Alan Shearer and Steve Gibson, for their help following Sir Bobby’s death.

The announcement was made on Tuesday at an informal get-together in Newcastle with fundraisers hosted by Lady Elsie and her son, Andrew Robson.

Lady Elsie said: “Steve’s been absolutely unwavering in his support for Bob’s charity from day one. He’s always been there when we’ve needed him.

“More than that, he’s always had a great appreciation and understanding of the importance of the work we’re helping to fund.

“As a family, very soon after Bob died, we decided to keep going with the charity. We could see the good that it was doing and we all knew how important it was to Bob. He called it his legacy.

Mr Harper began his career at Seaham Red Star and he became Newcastle United’s longest serving player, amassing 20 years on the club’s books. He also played at Gateshead FC, Hartlepool United and most recently at Sunderland AFC and Hull City.

His charity match at St. James’ Park, a game between Newcastle United and AC Milan legends, celebrated his 20 years with the Magpies and raised £327,833 for six North-East charities, including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

Mr Harper, who is from Easington, said: “Sir Bobby has left us a wonderful football legacy, but the legacy he left us with his foundation continues to grow and I know he’d be immensely proud of it. I’m honoured and moved to become a patron.”