Having battled cancer five times, the 75-year-old knows the benefits of early detection and quality care and is now raising money to help ensure the quarter of a million people in the UK who are diagnosed with cancer this year are as lucky as he has been. 
 
Sir Bobby says: “Given that I’ve battled cancer five times in the last 15 years it may sound strange to say that I’ve been lucky. 

"But I know how important it is to detect this disease as early as possible and without the quality care and treatment I’ve had over the years I wouldn’t be here today."

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

Sir Bobby added: “I’m extremely proud that The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre will carry my name and we need to raise £500,000 before June to have it up and running by October. 

“It’s difficult to ask for money but I know how passionate and generous football fans are and I believe by pulling together we can all help the experts beat this disease.  One in every three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives but if, and when, the clinical drug trials are successful, then the positive impact could be felt around the world.”

To make a donation to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.

For more information about The FA’s Charity programme, visit www.thefa.com/TheFA/FACampaigns.