Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation

While visiting Cambodia with the charity Laureus, Sir Bobby witnessed first-hand the devastating impact that landmines and the legacy of forgotten wars were still having on innocent civilian communities.

In particular, he could not believe that children going out to play football, just as he and his brothers did as kids, could come back with life-changing injuries by inadvertently standing on a mine - or not come back at all.

The emotional impact of his visit moved him to set up his own charity so that he could do something practical to help the people he had met in Cambodia and thousands like them around the world.

Sir Bobby's first focus was on developing new technologies for better detection of landmines and other explosive remnants of war, and improving surgical techniques for those suffering from blast injuries and limb loss, forming partnerships with universities in the UK.

This pioneering research evolved into more direct support for war-affected areas: the Foundation partnered with NGOs in Cambodia, Jordan and Iraq, delivering medical support, art therapy and landmine education programmes to refugees and other vulnerable communities.

Today, the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation contributes in practical ways to address the economic, social, environmental, and cultural impact of war.

The work of the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development led by the United Nations to make communities safer and more sustainable, and to empower local people to take control of their lives and shape their own futures.

Sir Bobby believed passionately that everyone has the right to live, work and play freely, equitably and safely no matter where they are in the world. It is our privilege at the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation to ensure that Sir Bobby's vision continues, and that his legacy in helping vulnerable people lead better lives continues to thrive.