A LIVER disease expert has joined the board of trustees of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Professor Chris Day, Newcastle University’s new Vice-Chancellor and President, has agreed to join the board.

Brought up in North Tyneside, Professor Day studied medicine at the University of Cambridge, before returning to the North-East to practice at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

While studying in Cambridge, Professor Day first came into contact with the late Newcastle United manager, when he was representing his former University against another of Sir Bobby’s former clubs – Ipswich Town – in a friendly back in 1980.

Speaking of Professor Day’s appointment to the Board, Lady Elsie – Sir Bobby’s wife of over 50 years – said the charity was “extremely pleased" to welcome Professor Day as a Trustee.

She added: "As Bob would say, he’s a great signing for us.

“It’s very important that we have the best people in place to make sure we keep making the right decisions with the money raised for us.”

Sir Bobby launched his charity in 2008, and it has gone on to raise over £10 million to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer, with the work directly benefiting cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria.

Working within the NHS, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation relies completely on third party, volunteer fundraisers, as well as the generosity of the general public.