ON the seventh anniversary of Sir Bobby Robson launching his appeal to fight cancer, the total now raised has broken the £8m barrier.

It was on March 25 2008 that the footballing legend announced he was launching a charity to help find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

Initially set up to raise £500,000 to equip a cancer drug trials centre, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation continues to go from strength-to-strength, directly benefitting cancer patients from across the North-East and Cumbria and playing a significant role in the fight against the disease.

The ongoing success of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation is testament to the enduring appeal of the man who eventually succumbed to his fifth battle with cancer.

Lady Elsie said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by this new fundraising total. It’s incredible really. We had no idea how well-supported we would be when we launched in 2008. Bob would be stunned.

“He was so proud of this charity and the work that it funds. And we’re so proud that we are able to continue the work we all began together to help other people facing cancer.

“There’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes work from our medical trustees over the last year. They’ve been working very hard and we’ve agreed to fund some truly ground-breaking new cancer projects.

“We’re also going to carry on helping with work in drug research, working with other charities and cancer research teams. Every penny of the money entrusted to us will be very well-used.”

Most recently, the Foundation helped fund a combination of cutting edge radiotherapy technology, which was previously only available in London and is now at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

“We’re very grateful to each and every person who has contributed to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in any way,” Lady Elsie added.

The previous total was over £7.3m. To make a donation visit sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk

.