A County Durham grandad battling cancer has raised more than £800 for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation through a sports poetry book anthology.

Graham Brooks, 74, of Consett, was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago, and decided to keep track of his time at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre and Freeman Hospital, Newcastle with poems.

The former teacher, originally from Cheshire, then appealed to friends, family and social media for more sporting poems which led to the work being compiled together into a book.

Graham said: “I found writing poetry an interesting personal challenge when I was in hospital, and I thought I’d see if anyone else might like to give it a go.

“We had to go with sport as the topic because the book was in aid of Sir Bobby’s charity and it was very successful in terms of the imaginative entries from friends and family about swimming, football, cricket, running, you name it. Basically, I rang round them all and told them they had to enter!

“My step daughter, Lindsey, also helped by promoting the book on social media, so we also had entries from complete strangers, which was amazing.

“All in all, we raised more than £800 because everyone made a voluntary donation to submit their poem. Not only that, it put me back in touch with a lot of relatives I hadn’t contacted for a while, which was really positive.”

This comes after Graham had planned to complete a charity bike ride to fundraise for the charity, but a series of operations affected his mobility.

Despite this, Graham has spoken of how creating the anthology was still a wholly positive experience.

Graham adds: “Unfortunately, I’m now in a situation where my symptoms are being managed as opposed to receiving cancer treatment but I’ve nothing but praise for the fantastic care I’ve received at Newcastle Hospitals.

“It’s been a really good thing for me to be doing something to help with the future of cancer research in this region and I’m pleased to have done my little bit with this book.

“It’s important that we keep looking for better ways to treat cancer and, while this poetry book has helped contribute to that, it’s also something that’s helped me personally.”

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In the book, Graham praised the treatment he has received from the foundation.

He wrote: “I have been on the receiving end of technology which must rank as the equal of anywhere in the world, here in Newcastle.

“The Bobby Robson Centre has brought us international fame, but more importantly, international hope.

“Every time that bell rings it signals a recovery, and another kick in the teeth to something which will be beaten.”