Sir Bobby charity raises £500,000

Sir Bobby is fighting cancer for a fifth time

Sir Bobby Robson has helped raise £500,000 in just eight weeks for his cancer charity.

The 75-year-old former England manager is putting the money raised towards a state-of-the-art cancer research centre.

Sir Bobby is battling the disease for the fifth time having been diagnosed with tumours in both lungs.

He wants to repay the NHS for the care he has received since he was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992.

Early detection

Sir Bobby admitted he was unlikely to beat the disease, but said the Foundation was his legacy to the nation.

The new centre will focus on early detection and treatment, as well as clinical trials of new drugs.

Sir Bobby said: "It truly has been an amazing week for my wife and I.

"We started off down at Wembley where I presented the FA Cup and now here we are having achieved our first fundraising target for the Foundation.

"It meant a huge amount for me to present the cup, but I'll be even more proud to hand over that cheque for £500,000."

A recent fundraising dinner at St James' Park raised more than £80,000 for the charity.