Sir Robert Ogden, the self-made businessman and philanthropist who opened a cancer centre at Harrogate District Hospital, has died aged 86.
Sir Robert made his fortune in the mining, quarrying and building industries and donated to charities, in particular those connected to cancer care.
He was also a leading racehorse owner and co-owned See More Business, which won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park.
Born in Wibsey, Bradford, in January 1936, Sir Robert was the eldest of six children. His father Albert was a master builder.
He lived in Sicklinghall, near Wetherby, where he kept his stables.
In 2001, he was awarded a knighthood for his services to charity which included the opening of the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at Harrogate District Hospital.
The centre was opened in March 2014 and continues to offer cancer treatment and health and wellbeing services to patients today.
We're very sad to hear Sir Robert Ogden has passed away. We're eternally grateful for his generosity – it helped us to establish the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at our hospital. Thank you Sir Robert for your support. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/NwAGA5bBnG
— Harrogate NHS FT (@HarrogateNHSFT) March 9, 2022
The hospital said:
“We’re very sad to hear Sir Robert Ogden has passed away. We’re eternally grateful for his generosity — it helped us to establish the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre at our hospital.
“Thank you Sir Robert for your support. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs a similar centre in Northallerton opened by Sir Robert, also paid tribute to him.
A spokesperson said:
“Sir Robert was a huge supporter of charities and generously helped improve cancer services in the region.
“We’ll always be grateful for his support. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
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Successful racehorse owner
As well as charities, Sir Robert was a successful racehorse owner.
His mauve and pink checked silks were carried to victory by horses including Voy Por Ustedes and Exotic Dancer.
He also owned Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Exotic Dancer and top horses over the jumps, including Ad Hoc, Marlborough, Star De Mohaison, Fadalko and Squire Silk.
Former jockey and Gold Cup winning trainer, Jonjo O’Neil, paid tribute to Sir Robert.
He said:
“Very sad to hear that Sir Robert Ogden has passed away.
“We enjoyed some incredible days with Exotic Dancer, notably winning the Lexus and a second in the Gold Cup.
“He was a wonderful gentleman who will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Sir Robert died peacefully at home on March 6, 2022.
He is survived by his second wife Lady Ana Ogden and his two sons Adam and Robert from his first marriage.
In memory of Sir Robert, a donation page has been set up at the University of Leeds to help support research into brain cancer. You can donate and find more information here.
New Sicklinghall cricket club pavilion gets go-aheadHarrogate Borough Council has approved plans for a new clubhouse for Sicklinghall Cricket Club after an arson attack destroyed its previous building.
The club has been using temporary shipping containers since the fire in 2016 while fundraising for a replacement clubhouse.
It lodged proposals in November for a new facility with home and away changing rooms, kitchen, storage facility, toilet and scorer’s box. The club said it could be used for other community or sports events.
The club, which is situated between Wetherby and Kirkby Overblow, has played in the village since 1925 and is currently in the top tier of the Leeds and Wetherby Cricket League.
The club is within walking distance of Sicklinghall and the application will provide sports facilities for local children.
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Sicklinghall Cricket Club has submitted plans to build a new clubhouse and scoreboard after an arson attack destroyed their previous building.
The club has been using temporary shipping containers since the fire in 2016 while fundraising for a replacement clubhouse. A JustGiving campaign raised over £6,500.
The club, which is between Wetherby and Kirkby Overblow, has played in the village since 1925 and is currently in the top tier of the Leeds and Wetherby Cricket League.
It has submitted plans to Harrogate Borough Council for a clubhouse with home and away changing rooms, kitchen, storage facility, toilet and scorer’s box. The club says it could be used for other community or sports events.
The club is within walking distance of Sicklinghall and the application could provide sports facilities for local children.
Read more:
An image of the fire in 2016