Today marks the launch of an online auction in memory of Ipswich Town legend Sir Bobby Robson in a bid to raise £1million to help fund cancer research.

A string of celebrities, former footballers and community leaders have united to back the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction, offering exclusive items and once-in-a-lifetime trips.

People across the county are now urged to register online to submit a bid or to donate an item for the auction, which ends on October 27.

More than 300 prizes are on sale but organisers have issued a plea to residents and businesses to help auction off another 100 in order to reach the £1m target.

Funds raised will go towards supporting clinical trials for new cancer treatments, ongoing support of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer, as well as Ipswich Hospital and West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

The items up for auction run the gamut from a luxury week-long sailing trip to lunch with actor Bill Nighy, to personal bowling tuition with England cricketer Graeme Swann at Lords to taking part in an annual charity golf tournament in Portugal in honour of Sir Bobby, pictured.

Two lucky guests will get to attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Zurich on January 13, 2014, where the world’s best player and manager will be crowned.

Gina Long, the auction founder, said: “It is so exciting to launch the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction with this incredible item from FIFA.

“I encourage everyone to head to the website and register to bid as an item like this is bound to be a favourite with football fans.”

She urged non-football fans to explore other auction items up for grabs, adding there was “something for everyone”.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President, said he had always held Sir Bobby in “very high esteem”.

He added: “In 2009 we presented the FIFA Fair Play Award to his widow, Lady Elsie in memory of Sir Bobby, a man who represented all the good qualities of football.”

Meanwhile, sixteen guests will enjoy a JLS concert in a suite on Sunday, December 22, at the O2 Arena with hospitality.

Date of tickets is non-transferable. If tickets are re-sold in any capacity, they are void. Hospitality includes selected food and beverages.

It was donated by a supporter of the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Campaign who wished to remain anonymous.

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son and chairman of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, said: “The online auction is a fantastic way to help us continue the work my father started and raise crucial funds for cancer charities.

“We are overwhelmed by the generous donation from FIFA. I urge people, clubs and companies to consider donating, however big or small, and bidding to help us reach our £1m target.”

Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction is supported by sponsor BT Sport.

Auction items are announced daily. Visit www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.com to register and to find out more.