SIR Bobby Robson’s widow has paid tribute to the legacy left by her husband as it was announced the cancer charity set up in his name has topped the £2.5m mark.

Speaking at the Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre, Lady Elsie said the former Newcastle United and England manager was a “great, great man” who had left a “great legacy”.

Sir Bobby, who was born in Sacriston, County Durham, died on July 31, last year, after a long battle with cancer.

Lady Elsie told BBC presenter Gabby Logan: “Bob would have loved it (the centre) and he did love it when he was alive.

“It gave him a burst at the end of his life.

“A lot of people who live in other towns where there is not this type of facility must envy us here in Newcastle.

“The centre gives hope where there maybe wouldn’t have been hope.

“He left a great legacy “After each diagnosis, he went back to the world, as it were, and continued with his work. He was a great great man, which we realise more so since his death.”

Sir Bobby, who beat cancer five times, died aged 76. He was married to Lady Elsie for 54 years. They have three sons – Paul, Andrew and Mark.

The former Barcelona and PSV Eindhoven manager set up the charity in March 2008 to raise £500,000 to help in the early detection of cancer and the development of new drugs to help beat the disease.

Donations poured in and he reached the target within two months.

A foundation spokeswoman said: “I am very pleased to confirm that the charity has passed the £2.5m mark.

“It is an amazing achievement thanks to fantastic ongoing support.

“We will be announcing an investment into laboratory research equipment in October and unveiling a special new patron to support the charity’s ongoing work in Sir Bobby’s name soon.”

Former Newcastle and England player Alan Shearer said: “It is an incredible achievement and a result of so many people’s generosity and so many people’s hard work.

“If he is looking down today, Sir Bobby will be smiling and will say ‘that’s because of me’. He should be proud; he was an incredible man.

“This is a very, very special place. We have all had family and friends who have lost people to cancer and Sir Bobby wanted to get to the bottom of that. He has left a tremendous legacy.”