Sir Bobby Robson’s widow has spoken of her husband’s passion for the cancer Foundation he launched – and the couple’s happy memories of their time in Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie Robson, pictured at The BT Exact Ball in 2005Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie Robson, pictured at The BT Exact Ball in 2005 (Image: Archant)

The legendary football manager fought and beat cancer a number of times, which made him determined to do everything he could to help others affected by the disease.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was set up in 2008 to raise money to fund research and treatment.

The initial target was to raise £500,000 - but last year the total soared past the £10million mark.

Lady Elsie said: “Bob was ill with cancer when we launched our Foundation. That didn’t stop him from doing anything he wanted to though.

“If anything, it made him all the more determined to ensure his charity was a success because he knew he only had a limited amount of time.

“Even though he was poorly, he never missed a meeting or fund-raising event. He was so dedicated. He became as passionate about our Foundation as he was about football.”

Sir Bobby said he would give up a year of his life for his charity.

In fact, he became so committed to the cause that he devoted his last 18 months to doing all he could to help others facing cancer.

Lady Elsie said: “It was important to him because he was at the helm again. He could see how important the work we’re helping to fund is.

“He was incredibly proud of our Foundation and its fund-raisers. The word he often used was faithful. He’d thank fund-raisers for their faithfulness.

“I know he would be truly humbled to see how much we’ve been able to achieve together. It really is a legacy to be proud of.”

Lady Elsie also reflected on the family’s happy times in Suffolk. “After 20 years living and working in Ipswich and Suffolk many positive memories flood into my mind. It was an intense way to earn a living, even all those years ago, and the monetary rewards were not as they are now!

“My husband gave it his best shot, his time was unlimited, and as the dream became a reality, everyone benefited. He had enormous support from working colleagues, players and an old-fashioned board of directors under the chairmanship of John Cobbold, not forgetting the wonderful support and loyalty of the fans.”