One year ago today people all over the country mourned the death of one the region's best loved sons. Sir Bobby Robson reached the top level of football management during his life, but 12 months later his legacy lives on in a different field. Gavin Havery reports.

BEFORE he lost his fifth battle with cancer, the former Newcastle United and England manager set up a charity to help other sufferers from the region he loved so much.

Since then the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has raised almost £2.5m and provides state-of-the-art facilities for cancer victims across the North-East.

Liz Luff, a spokesman for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, described the 76-year-old football manager's dedication to his charity before he died as inspiring. She said: "When he launched his charity, Sir Bobby said he felt like he was at the helm of a team again. "Even now his presence is felt throughout everything the foundation does, every fund-raising effort, every donation large or small and every project funded. "His principles, strength of conviction and commitment still guide the team behind his charity today.

"Sir Bobby was justifiably proud of his charity and thanks to this incredible ongoing team effort it is a legacy which continues to grow."

The mantle of running the charity has passed to his widow, Lady Robson and three sons, Paul, Andrew and Mark who are all equally committed to its success.

Lady Robson said they were grateful to everyone who has contributed to her husband's charity by fundraising or donating money. She added: "With continued support we'll keep going to help all those people who sadly have to go through the hard fight against cancer like Bobby did.

"Every day experts move us closer to more effective treatments and one day we'll beat this terrible disease."

Former Magpies striker Alan Shearer has become a patron of the charity which has raised more than £1m since Sir Bobby's death.

The record-breaking Newcastle United forward said: "He is completely irreplaceable and the esteem he was held in became very apparent after he passed away. "The outpouring of affection and respect for him was phenomenal and it's not something we are likely to see again."

The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle treats patients on clinical trials of new cancer drugs. These include early trials of laboratory tested drugs which are being used in patients for the first time as well as those which are further on in development and being compared to standard treatments for effectiveness.

This means cancer patients from across the region can choose to participate in trials and have an opportunity to try new treatments as they emerge.

Sir Bobby's oncologist, Professor Ruth Plummer, said: "Opening this centre has made a huge difference to the lives of people living with cancer in the North-East.

"Patients here have tried standard cancer treatments which they have found are no longer effective and they're prepared to try something new.

"It's a wonderfully warm and positive place to work and I count myself very lucky to be part of the team here."

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