THE cancer research centre named after one Newcastle United legend was visited by another to see the good work in continues to perform.

Former Magpie midfielder David Ginola was given a tour of the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, escorted by its director, Professor Ruth Plummer, and the late founder’s widow, Lady Elsie Robson.

The research facility, at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, in Newcastle, was funded through the work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

On a brief return to the city, where he was part of Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ team of the mid-1990s, the former French international was keen to find out more about the work of the foundation and the cutting-edge cancer treatment funded by the charity.

During the visit to the clinical trials centre Sir Bobby officially opened in 2009 he was told of its breakthrough cancer drug work involving patients from across the North-East and Cumbria.

Mr Ginola said: “I’m amazed by everything I saw and everything I heard here today.

“I’m not surprised to hear about the beginning of the story of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, and all the facilities I saw today, and the money raised.

“When you encounter troubles and issues in your life, it’s important to have people who invest their life to help others.”

Among the patients keen to greet the special visitor was Paul Charlton, from Urpeth Grange, near Chester-le-Street, who has prostate cancer and has just begun a new trial at the centre.

The United season ticket holder, 63, said: “He was one of the best players we’ve ever had.

“It was like the ball was stuck to his feet.”

Lady Elsie said: “I was so pleased when I heard about David’s interest in our charity.

“Bob would have loved telling him all about it and, no doubt,chatting at length about football.

“I think the Sir Bobby Robson Centre is marvellous. It’s warm and welcoming, and the people in it, the patients and staff, are all working together to find out more about these new drugs.”

Last year, the foundation funded a new £985,000 bowel cancer research and treatment project involving 17 regional NHS endoscopy units, to help speed up research into the disease.

Further information on the foundation’s work can be found on www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk.