RUNNING in the family has helped football legend Sir Bobby Robson's cancer charity reach almost £800,000.

Jonathan Barnes

RUNNING in the family has helped football legend Sir Bobby Robson's cancer charity reach almost £800,000.

The former Ipswich Town and England manager said he was delighted that so many competitors in the recent Great North chose to raise money for his charitable foundation.

They included his son Mark and partner Kim Jennings and his nephew James Robson and wife Claire, who all took part in the 13-mile run and raised £8,000 between them.

Sir Bobby's great friend, the sports presenter Jim Rosenthal, also ran the race and was able to hand over a cheque for £5,500.

“For my friends and family to raise this much money for our charity is a magnificent effort and I know there were a lot of other people running to help us too,” said Sir Bobby, 75, who is fighting cancer for the fifth time and is currently undergoing a course of chemotherapy for tumours in his lungs.

“Jim didn't have the best preparation for the run as he travelled overnight from Norwich so that makes his time even more impressive. He's a good friend and I'm very grateful for his support.”

Donations continue to come in every day through the post and a Justgiving website and the fund - to pay for cancer trials in Sir Bobby's native North East - is now up to £797,000.

“That's entirely down to the wonderful dedication of fundraisers and donors who believe in what we're trying to achieve,” he said.

“I check the Justgiving website regularly to find out how we're doing and I'm always very touched by the messages of support and personal stories I read.”

Mr Rosenthal said: “Raising money for Sir Bobby was something I felt I had to do.

“Donations are still coming in and the support I've had from sponsors all over the country shows how highly everyone thinks of him.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, set up in March, has already raised enough money to set up a Cancer Trials Research Centre in Newcastle, which will treat patients from across the region from January.

It is currently working with regional cancer projects to identify priority need for funding.

Sir Bobby, who enjoyed a 13-year spell in charge of Ipswich Town, leading the club to FA Cup and Uefa Cup glory, said he hoped the fund would reach £1million by Christmas.

n To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information on The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG. All donors will receive a personalised certificate and a letter of thanks from Sir Bobby.