The cash will fund cancer research and clinical trials at a new facility at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Despite fighting his own ongoing battle with cancer, 75-year-old Sir Bobby Robson launched a campaign this year to help the experts beat the disease.

In March the oncologist currently treating Sir Bobby, Professor Ruth Plummer, asked him for contacts who might like to contribute towards a Cancer Trials Research Centre at the new Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

But Sir Bobby went one step better and set up The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Now, thanks to incredible regional support, the charity has been able to present Prof Plummer with a cheque for £500,000.

Sir Bobby said: "Cancer is a global issue and we have had support from all over the world but this money is largely from the people of the north east and first and foremost it will benefit the people of the north east.

"Thanks to their generosity and fundraising we reached our first target in eight weeks and they are still pushing on so we can fund other cancer-related projects in this region.

"I'm extremely proud to hand over the first cheque on behalf of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, knowing that it will directly help experts like Prof Plummer battle this horrific disease.

"I've achieved many things during my career in football, won trophies, represented my country, received all kinds of wonderful awards and even been knighted, but I'm as proud of this achievement as I am of any other in my life."

The Sir Bobby Robson 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.

The first £500,000 raised by the Foundation will fund dedicated research facilities including a 12 bed unit with treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art laboratory and consulting facilities at the Freeman Hospital.

Prof Plummer said: "The fantastic generosity of the people of the north east and the dedication of Sir Bobby and his team means that we have secured the funding we needed in an unbelievably short time."

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.