A BUILDING society has helped raise more than £2m for the cancer charity set up by Sir Bobby Robson.

Newcastle Building Society introduced the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation savings accounts in 2012 and agreed to donate 0.1 per cent of the total value held in the accounts to the charity.

The total donated since has now passed the £2m milestone.

Building society chief executive Andrew Haigh said: “Sir Bobby continues to inspire and motivate people.

“Channelling the respect and affection people still hold for him, to make such a difference to people’s lives today through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation’s work in cancer research, is a powerful legacy.”

Lady Elsie Robson, Sir Bobby’s widow, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled by the funds raised through these special accounts.

“We had no idea they would become this successful and we’re extremely grateful to Newcastle for supporting our work.”

She added: “Bob was absolutely determined to provide world-class cancer facilities for people in our region through his charity.”