Bob Anderson

I have know Bob for some 30 years, since I went to train at a martial arts club that he was helping to run when I was 13. He was then and is still now an enthusiatic, inspirational and above all caring man. He still continues to run Peterlee Martial Arts Club twice a week, simply for the love of it and in that time has been a teacher, inspiration and moral compass to many. Through sheer hard work he has become 6th Dan in Karate, but I think more imporatantly to him, he has trained what must be thousands of students by now, knows each by name, by nature and by temperament and somehow manages to get the best from everyone. He has also run the local Peterlee Celtic Football club for the best part of 20 years, with both senior and junior teams, with mixed results it has to be said - again simply because he thought it would be a good thing for the people around him But the reason he is worthy of this recognition, is not particularly his sporting dedication,; it is the care and understanding he give to those around him. He has become a friend to most, a father figure to some and an inspiration to dall he encounters to their best. He is just a great person: hard working, and more than prepared to go the extra mile to help others. He has raised thousands for charity over the years and I don't think that you could find someone locally, involved in sport who doesn't know and respect Bob. He is a top man and for me embodies all that is good about being involved in sport.