Sir Bobby Robson was loved by millions for his sporting success, his warmth and his humour. The foundation he launched while dying from cancer marks its fifth anniversary today with the announcement it has raised more than £5m to fight the disease. Gavin Havery reports.

IN 2008, Professor Ruth Plummer was treating Sir Bobby for the fifth and what he knew would be the final time.

The clinical trials team at Newcastle General Hospital was moving to a new purpose-built unit at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital and needed £500,000 to equip the centre.

Rather than simply supplying the names of likely donors, as Professor Plummer had asked, Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie responded by launching a charity to get the money she needed.

At a packed and star-studded press conference to get the ball rolling he memorably quipped: “When I was first diagnosed, I thought malignant melanoma played for Benfica.”

Just seven weeks after the launch, Professor Plummer had the £500,000 required and in February 2009 Sir Bobby officially opened the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre.

Sir Bobby said he would give up a year of his life to the charity, but he became so passionate about it that, despite being very ill, he spent his last 18 months doing all he could to raise funds to help others with cancer.

Professor Plummer said: “Sir Bobby always had an eye on what we could do if we raised more than £500,000. I think he’d be amazed at just how much more we’ve been able to do.”

His is a legacy which continues to grow and has funded world-class cancer facilities within the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that directly benefit cancer patients from across the North-East and Cumbria.

It also makes a significant contribution to international efforts and research into fighting the disease.

It has already helped develop three important new approaches to detecting and treating cancer by equipping the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and funding specialist training posts for a clinical trials doctor and nurse.

The charity jointly funds the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation PET Tracer Production Unit with Newcastle University and makes the majority charitable contribution to help buy the latest technology in 'stereotactic' radiotherapy.

The combination of these three elements: clinical trials of new drugs in the Sir Bobby Centre; patient PET scanning and new radiotherapy treatment which is so accurate it can treat inoperable tumours, is creating what Professor Plummer describes as “a very special jigsaw to help fight cancer”.

Professor Plummer said: “Clinical trials of experimental drugs need specialist units and equipment so that we can safely work out the right dose, and also collect research samples from our patients so that we can test the new treatments and make them available to all patients as quickly as possible.”

Sir Bobby’s wife, Lady Elsie, sons Paul, Andrew and Mark and committed patrons, including Alan Shearer, Niall Quinn, Steve Gibson, Delia Smith and Mick Mills, are helping continue the work Sir Bobby began through the foundation.

Alan Shearer said: “The work the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has funded over the past five years is incredible and really pushing the boundaries of how we detect and treat cancer. “I’ve no doubts the next five years will be just as positive and bring even more advances.

“My thanks to everyone who has contributed to this fantastic team effort. I'm sure Sir Bobby would be humbled and very proud at his charity's ongoing success.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation does not employ professional fund-raisers to pro-actively raise money and co-ordinate volunteers and relies completely on third party and volunteer fund-raisers. Niall Quinn said: “Reaching £5m is a brilliant achievement, a testament to the deep generosity and tireless efforts of so many people.

"Sir Bobby may no longer be with us, but he left behind an incredible legacy and a remarkable team.”

“Sir Bobby's memory brings out the best in people. Long may it continue.”

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information please visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Room 203, Cheviot Court, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN.