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Robert
first became involved in charity when his good friend Jimmy Tarbuck OBE
introduced him to the Varity Club Golfing Society in 1976, Robert
sponsored 5 consecutive Captains' Days.
In 1980 he started his own charity golf tournament in the UK, and over the next 8 years purchased more than 200 powered wheelchairs for handicapped children. He always believed in having a presentation so the children and their parents would be invited to the golf club to receive their new found independence, Robert lived in Margaret Thatcher's constituency, and she had read about his work for underprivileged children, and he received an invitation to 10 Downing Street, for cocktails and buffet, and some wonderful photos with Lady Thatcher. |
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In 1985 along with Dennis Taylor, Cliff Thorburn and Willie Thorne he formed the World Snooker Golf Society. Robert was President and organiser, and he is delighted that the society is still going strong and has mobilised over 500 handicapped children in the UK. |
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Robert meeting Lady Thatcher at 10 Downing Street |
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1990 Robert retired to Spain and in 1999 organised his 1st charity golf tournament in Mallorca. He invited many of his celebrity friends to the Island and then he sold teams and found items to auction at the Gala Dinner. Apart from over 200 wheelchairs and many other much needed necessities there are now 19 brand new Penguin buses on the island, many fitted at the rear with a hydraulic platform so that seriously handicapped children can stay in the comfort and security of their wheelchairs going back and forth to school. In
2002 Robert was very honoured to be made a life honorary member of Royal Robert was voted European Citizen of the year for Calvia and was presented with a plaque by Calvia's Mayor Carlos Delgado on European Day 6th May 2007. |
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Robert receiving an MBE... 1st December 2005 from Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace |
Up until May 2008 Robert has raised 1,963.000 euros, this figure does not include his Varity Club or Snooker Golf Society work. Also, in 2006, together with his good friend Glenda Dean, he organised a golf event for the Calvia Dogs home which raised 70,000 euros.
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Robert meeting Princess Letizia and Prince Felipe at ASNIMO. the home for Down Syndrome children |
Robert playing in the King of Morocco's private Pro - Am in 1980 with Bruce Forsyth OBE CBE and Lee Trevino who was the No1 ranked professional golfer at that time
At a special Tribute Dinner on 26th July 2007 Robert was presented with a Silver plaque from Paquita llodo and Dr Juan Perera from ASNIMO, the home for Downs Syndrome Children, the plaque is inscribed with the names of the 17 Institutions on Mallorca that Robert's charity has helped over the last nine years.
Robert's team at his Charity event at S.Herts Golf Club 1983 Jimmy Tarbuck OBE - Sam Torrance MBE OBE - James Hunt
Corey Pavin at Robert's Charity golf event 1983
Robert and several of his celebrity friends presenting 15 electric wheelchairs at Robert's charity Golf event South Herts Golf Club 1985
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Robert & Jimmy Hill OBE - Charity Golf prize giving 2002 |
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Lance Percival writes:
Robert...Hopefully
Jess Conrad told you that I have decided to retire from
Charity Golf mostly and not to consider me for Majorca. As it is
approaching for this year I wanted you to know that you have done
an unbelievable amount for the Kids out there. I have attended
dozens of these charity events and I can assure you that yours is
by far the most successful in benefiting the Charity. I know we
all have a lot of fun but you do all the work to get the right
people with the right money to attend and contribute very
generously. I am sure the success of the event gives you much
satisfaction and you deserve it. I will run into you
some day, but in the meantime all the best for this year's
tournament.
Very
sad about Alan Ball and far too early,
Lance
Percival
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