A charity set up by former Ipswich Town manager Sir Bobby Robson has raised a staggering £8million.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lady Elsie, Sir Bobby Robson's wife.Lady Elsie, Sir Bobby Robson's wife. (Image: Archant)

The Town legend launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation seven years ago today in a bid to find more effective ways to diagnose and treat cancer.

However the charity has announced the new fundraising total – far in excess of the original £500,000 target to equip a drug trials centre – to mark the anniversary and show its continuing success following on from Sir Bobby’s death from lung cancer in July 2009.

Lady Elsie, wife to the former Fulham & West Bromwich Albion player and Ipswich and England manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled by this new fundraising total. It’s incredible really.

“We had no idea how well-supported we would be when we launched in 2008.

“Bob would be stunned.

“He was so proud of this charity and the work that it funds. And we’re so proud that we are able to continue the work we all began together to help other people facing cancer.”

The foundation benefits cancer patients from across the North East and Cumbria, but a large number of fundraising events have been held in Suffolk in recognition of Sir Bobby’s links to the county – including helping Ipswich Town to lift the FA Cup in 1978.

These include Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Auction, an online sale in October 2014 organised by volunteer fundraiser Gina Long.

Lady Elsie added: “We’re very grateful to each and every person who has contributed to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in any way.

“There’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes work from our medical trustees over the last year. They’ve been working very hard and we’ve agreed to fund some truly ground-breaking new cancer projects.

“We’re also going to carry on helping with work in drug research, working with other charities and cancer research teams. Every penny of the money entrusted to us will be very well-used.

“Bob was always positive about what we could do as a team. He always said ‘when’ we beat cancer, not ‘if’.

“That’s why we carry on, and we will do as long as the support is there.”

A key fundraising event in 2016 will be the next phase of Mark Allison’s around the world run, from Lisbon, Portugal, to Istanbul, Turkey.

To make a donation or for more information visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Charitable Funds Office, Peacock Hall, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP.