SIR Bobby Robson's cancer charity has broken through the £1million barrier after just seven months of fundraising.

Jonathan Barnes

SIR Bobby Robson's cancer charity has broken through the £1million barrier after just seven months of fundraising.

The magic figure was reached at a gala dinner held on Thursday night in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Supporters have pledged nearly £5,000 every day since the appeal was launched in March to boost the early detection of cancer. Hundreds of well-wishers have donations through a website, posted cheques or taken on sponsored challenges to boost the cause.

The former Ipswich Town and England manager, 75, had initially hoped to raise £500,000, but when that target was quickly reached he spoke of his hope that £1m might be raised by Christmas - a goal achieved with nearly two months to spare.

Football legends including Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton were among the guests at the fundraising gala dinner in Durham on Thursday who were told that the appeal had gone past £1million.

“There was a huge cheer across the room when it was announced we had reached the target,” said Liz Luff, spokeswoman for the charity appeal.

“The fundraising on the night helped the appeal go beyond £1million. It was a brilliant occasion and Sir Bobby was delighted.”

Sir Bobby set up the foundation after learning he was fighting cancer for the fifth time. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy for tumours on his lungs.

“The treatment has knocked me for 12, not six, but every day is a new day and the support of my good friends, family and all the very many well-wishers and supporters of my charity keeps me positive,” he said.

The foundation will initially focus on the early detection and treatment of cancer and will help support clinical trials of new treatments to tackle the disease.

It has already raised enough money to set up a Cancer Trials Research Centre which will treat patients from across the North East from January.

Despite reaching the £1m target, the foundation is still fundraising and hopes to raise as much money as possible.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information on The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, please visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.