A FORMER World Cup football referee has helped generous golfers raise £18,000 to support The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

George Courtney, the men’s captain of Bishop Auckland Golf Club, County Durham, decided to raise funds for the charity during his term of office.

He was joined by Barbara Veal, the ladies captain.

Together they ran a year-long fundraising campaign and they handed over a cheque for £18,000 to Sir Bobby Robson’s widow Lady Elsie today (Wednesday, January 30).

Mr Courtney said: “Sir Bobby always took a great interest in my refereeing career.

“I was the English referee at the World Cup in 1986 when Bobby was there with the England team and I used to see him regularly when he was manager of Newcastle United.

“I had the greatest admiration for him during his management career and latterly for the way in which he valiantly fought cancer.

“I’m not surprised that we raised so much money. It’s all down to the generosity of the members but it’s been hard work.”

The funds were raised through a series of tournaments and club events over the last year.

Mrs Veal said: “It’s been a wonderful year with everyone pulling together.

“The men’s, ladies, juniors and seniors sections of the club have all been actively involved and all of the members and guests have been incredibly generous.”

This is the first time in the club’s history the men’s and ladies captains at the club have joined to support the same charity in one year.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds projects to benefit cancer patients across the North East and Cumbria.

Lady Elsie said: “It’s a great pleasure to visit the golf club and I’m very grateful to the club members who have been wonderfully generous over the last year.”