RUNNING in the family has helped football legend Sir Bobby Robson's cancer charity reach almost £800,000.

RUNNING in the family has helped football legend Sir Bobby Robson's cancer charity reach almost £800,000.

The former Ipswich Town and England manager said he was delighted that so many competitors in the recent Great North chose to raise money for his charitable foundation.

They included his son Mark and partner Kim Jennings and his nephew James Robson and wife Claire, who all took part in the 13-mile run and raised £8,000 between them.

Sir Bobby's great friend, the sports presenter Jim Rosenthal, also ran the race and was able to hand over a cheque for £5,500.

“For my friends and family to raise this much money for our charity is a magnificent effort and I know there were a lot of other people running to help us too,” said Sir Bobby, 75, who is fighting cancer for the fifth time and is currently undergoing a course of chemotherapy for tumours in his lungs.

Donations continue to come in every day through the post and a Justgiving website and the fund - to pay for cancer trials in Sir Bobby's native North East - is now up to £797,000.

Sir Bobby, who enjoyed a 13-year spell in charge of Ipswich Town, leading the club to FA Cup and Uefa Cup glory, said he hoped the fund would reach £1million by Christmas.

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