Sir Bobby Robson - Seven Years On

Today (Sunday, 31st July) marks the seventh anniversary of Sir Bobby Robson's death.

The football legend is greatly missed by those who knew him - and those who knew of him.

The former County Durham pitman enjoyed an incredible career as a footballer and manager and his influence within the game he loved continues to be felt today through the many people he worked with, inspired or helped along the way.

During his last 18 months, as he was receiving treatment for cancer for the fifth time, Sir Bobby was focused on a new goal - for once, away from a football pitch.

In March 2008, after a request for help from his oncologist, Professor Ruth Plummer, he launched a cancer charity that he said he hoped would become his legacy.

His wife, Lady Elsie, and three sons Paul, Andrew and Mark, are committed to continuing the work he began through the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and it has raised millions of pounds to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

Lady Elsie said: "That was a great thing for Bob, that he had the charity.

"It gave him a function and a goal to lead his life in that way. He was very, very committed to the charity. In fact, I think he was more committed to it than he had ever been, or he felt he was achieving more in a helpful way than he had been as a famous person in his own profession.

"The charity has helped enormously. It's given us a combined thing as a family to aim for.

"It's proved over and over again the respect he was given, for the work he did. I think that has come over to us all in a very strong way. It's quite unbelievable what we've raised in that short time."

Asked if she was proud of the legacy Sir Bobby has left us through his Foundation, Lady Elsie said: "Very. I'm extremely proud of it.

"I never thought we'd achieve what we've achieved, but it just keeps going on and on.

"We've had such a wonderful response from people, from everyone. You still see how people's faces light up when you say his name. You see the change.

"That's a very powerful thing. We all admire him so much and miss him, of course, because he was such a larger than life man. In the best way possible, he had to be obeyed!"

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.