Family tells of pride at Sir Bobby’s cancer legacy

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has raised a staggering £3.5m since it was founded to focus on the early detection and treatment of cancer and the clinical trials of new drugs that may eventually beat it.

The football legend set up the charity in March 2008, with the aim of raising £1m.

But funds raised to date have far exceeded that total – something his family said would have made Sir Bobby very proud.

His son Mark Robson said: “It’s incredible how great the support and feeling for dad still is.

“We’re very proud of everything his charity has achieved and is continuing to achieve and grateful to everyone who is helping to raise money for us.”

The former England manager died surrounded by his family on July 31 two years ago, after succumbing to the cancer he bravely fought five times.

He had devoted the last 18 months of his life to helping raise money for those leading the fight against the devastating disease.

Sir Bobby, who grew up at Langley Park, near Durham, said he wanted the charity to be his legacy to the world.

Mark said: “We have no plans to do anything in particular to mark the anniversary of losing dad but we’ll be in contact with other members of the family that day.

“I expect it will be a quiet time for us all.

“Dad described the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as his legacy to help other people fighting cancer and that’s just what it is.

“In addition to what we’ve already funded, the medical trustees of the charity are investigating some very promising new pieces of cancer equipment and potentially funding additional research personnel. It’s something my mum, my brothers and I take great pride in.

“Dad would be touched and proud at the ongoing work in his name.

“We do feel we are achieving something for him.

“I can’t think of a better way to remember him than to help the experts find more effective ways to combat cancer.

“He would like that.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds projects within the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, which directly benefit cancer patients from across the north east and Cumbria.