SIR Bobby Robson's widow last night said the family had been left “completely overwhelmed” by the flood of donations to his foundation since his death.

Kate McGrath

SIR Bobby Robson's widow last night said the family had been left “completely overwhelmed” by the flood of donations to his foundation since his death.

More than �156,000 has been given to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation following the death of the former Ipswich Town and England manager on July 31. This amounts to nearly �3,500 a day.

Founded in March 2008, the charity has raised a total of more than �1,650,000 to carry out valuable research into cancer drugs and treatment.

Before his death Sir Bobby, who managed Ipswich Town during the glory days of the 1970s and early 1980s, described it as the legacy he would most like to leave.

Sir Bobby's widow, Lady Elsie Robson, said he would have been “very proud and grateful” by the continued support.

“During this difficult time it has been a comfort to us all knowing Bobby's charity will continue thanks to the wonderful ongoing support it is receiving,” she said.

“He would be very proud and grateful to know that this money will help the experts find a cure for this terrible disease and will help future cancer patients and their families.

“We have been completely overwhelmed by the thousands of donations to the charity and the numerous personal messages of condolence we've received. The family would like to respond to each and every kind message personally but there are simply too many

“My family and I intend to continue with Bobby's charity work and will ensure every penny is spent wisely.”

More than �40,000 was donated by people through the charity website in the first five days since his death alone and �30,000 donated by fans who visited Newcastle's ground, St James' Park, during the days it was open to the public to pay their respects.

The foundation focuses on the clinical trials of cancer drugs and treatments and was a major part of Sir Bobby's life as he fought his final battle with the disease.

In February this year, Sir Bobby was joined by England manager Fabio Capello to launch a new clinical trials unit at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. The Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre was equipped through donations to the charity, which has also funded a specialist research nurse and doctor at the unit.

Professor Ruth Plummer, Sir Bobby's oncologist, added: “Sir Bobby was a great friend and supporter of the trials unit. He knew the names of all the doctors and nurses, regularly chatting with them about their families and their lives outside work.

“He showed great courage in fighting cancer and he remains an inspiration to many of our patients.

“Everyone connected with The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation misses his input and great enthusiasm but he has left us with a fantastic legacy to fight cancer and it is much appreciated.

“It took great personal effort for him to set up his charity and it was typical of the Bobby we came to know that he thought of helping others even when fighting his own battle with the disease.”

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