Artist to sell cherished St James' Park painting to raise funds for Sir Bobby Robson Foundation

A North East artist will sell his most cherished painting in memory of his late mother who died from cancer.

Newcastle United fan Ronnie Pattison, 54, has put his painting of St James' Park up for sale and will donate the funds he receives to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The painting, which is an aerial view of the stadium, was the first piece of artwork he was able to create after losing his 60-year-old mother Ada Pattison to stomach and bowel cancer in 1992.

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Ronnie, who runs a studio in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, said: "My mother was the main inspiration behind my art. Unfortunately, after she passed away, I struggled for years, but I promised her I'd never give up.

"It took me a long time to regain my passion, but I have, especially in the last three years. The first painting I did when I felt well enough again was an aerial view of St James' Park, I did some eight years after her passing and because of that I've never considered selling it - until now."

Ronnie, who began painting at the age of 15, attributes much of his inspiration and success to his late mother. As a lifelong Magpies fan, Sir Bobby Robson was one of his heroes.

He said he manged to get the chance to meet the former Toon manager during a book signing in Waterstones in Newcastle city centre and told him how his mother had inspired his paintings.

Ronnie, who lives in Leam Lane, Gateshead, said: "He had such an impact on me. His security guard tried to usher me away and he said really politely 'Don't interrupt me, I'm talking to his bonny lad'. He was talking to me about my mam and the paintings for about five minutes. When he died of cancer it really impacted me."

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was set up in 2008 by former Toon manager Sir Bobby Robson, after he was diagnosed with cancer for a fifth time. The 76-year-old, who also managed England, passed away in 2009.

The foundation, which is part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity, funds cutting-edge cancer treatments and innovative cancer support services that directly benefit patients across the North East and Cumbria and play a significant role in international efforts against cancer.

Sir Bobby's widow, Lady Elsie Robson, is supporting Ronnie's fundraising efforts.

She said: "It’s a beautiful picture and I’m very touched that Ronnie would give up something so cherished to support the work of our Foundation. I'm sure there is a Newcastle United fan out there who will appreciate the skill and time that went into the painting and the money raised will help us continue the cancer research that Bob was so passionate about."

Ronnie's studio offers offers high end artwork as well as prints and unique gifts such as coasts and tea towels. His latest painting of St James’ Park has been slightly delayed due to the font recently being changed on the Newcastle United sign above the East Stand.

He said: "My latest painting showing the East Stand has had to be altered as the club have changed the font on the Newcastle United signage above the stand. I believe in accuracy, so I've had to redo that part of the painting. I've since seen the funny side and can smile about it now.

"My biggest smile however will be when I pass on a big cheque to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and I hope someone out there will care enough to buy the aerial view of the ground."

Anyone wishing to offer an amount for the painting can contact Ronnie on ronpat@mail.com or pop into his studio at 29 South Burns, Chester-le-Street, next to Tesco.