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Sir Bobby’s story – one year on by Paul Hayward
Sir Bobby Charlton dedicated his talent and his life to football. The best way to repay that debt would be to support the life-changing work of his Foundation for victims of conflict.
For most great players, winning a World Cup, European Cup and the undisputed title of being his country’s No 1 would be enough of a legacy. But Sir Bobby’s life had a second act, as campaigner and fund-raiser for those injured by landmines and other munitions.
A year on from his death at the age of 86, on 21 October 2023, there is no let-up in the campaign he conceived.
The ‘Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation – For Victims of Conflict’ is apolitical and knows no borders. It’s a humanitarian response to a global scourge. Some estimates place the number of landmines beneath the ground in some 60 countries at 100 million. Each has the capacity to take or devastate a life.
Sir Bobby witnessed the reality of a fate that was only a footstep away and decided to do something about it. So modest was he that he was initially reluctant to put his name to the mission. He didn’t want to take the limelight. But his name was already up in lights around the world. His desire to help victims of landmines carries the weight of his sporting greatness, the strength of his character and the kindness of his heart.
Not all Foundations receive the constant backing of those who form them. Stars have busy lives. But Sir Bobby never wavered in his quest to repair the damage to body and soul of munitions buried in war zones.
It began with a visit to Cambodia, where he “got a very, very unique insight into the horrible thing of mines that take limbs from children.” Sir Bobby said: “I had such a feeling that there was something that should and needed to be done.” Knowing that children were stepping on mines during football games was an extra spur to action.
Originally named ‘Find a Better Way,’ his charity focused on the detection of mines and other remnants of conflict – and surgical techniques for ameliorating damage. Partnerships were formed with UK universities, then NGOs in Cambodia, Jordan and Iraq. Medical support, art therapy and landmine education became part of an expanding programme.
The Foundation continues to spread its reach. In recent months a partnership with FC Shakhtar in Ukraine has created safe-play hubs for children frequently rushed into bomb shelters amid the wail of sirens. Landmine proliferation in Ukraine is a tragic feature of the conflict with Russia.
In Manchester, where Sir Bobby graced Sir Matt Busby’s teams, alongside George Best and Denis Law, the ‘Manchester United Foundation Street Reds’ hub has been renamed ‘Sir Bobby’s Street Reds.’
According to the most recent Landline & Cluster Munition Monitor report, “4,710 people were injured or killed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) across 49 states and two other areas in 2022. Civilians accounted for 85% of landmine and ERW casualties recorded in 2022, half of them children (1,171).”
The SBCF has constantly sought ways to reverse, as much as possible, the terrible damage caused by explosions. In 2019 it joined forces with Exceed Worldwide to train Prosthetic and Orthotic Technicians (POTs) and provide prostheses and orthoses to those in need. Scholarships have been awarded to 30 POT students from 11 countries.
In 2023-24, the Foundation’s support helped Exceed Worldwide to provide over 800 prosthetic and orthotic devices in rural Cambodia. Each one has the potential to alleviate pain and struggle and open new possibilities in work, education and family life.
In sport, the highest currency in our excited chatter is goals, wins, trophies, personal awards. Many acquire immortality on the sporting field alone. They don’t have to pursue humanitarian work (though some do). Sir Bobby meanwhile found a passion and a cause that he stuck to, and which grew into a beacon in the darkness and misery of war.
For that, on top of his fame in football, his Foundation will always deserve admiration and gratitude. And, more importantly – everyone’s support.