The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was set up earlier this year by the former Newcastle United manager, after he was diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time in 15 years, writes Claire Harmer.

While he suffers from the side-effects of his own treatment, Sir Bobby is fighting cancer not just on a personal level, but on a regional one too.

That target has now been more than doubled, just eight months after the charity's launch in March. The money raised 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 in Newcastle and the centre will start treating patients from across the North-East from January 2009.

The £1m milestone was reached during the "Night of All Knights" event in County Durham, which was attended by football's honoured trio Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the man himself, Sir Bobby Robson.

Early estimates show a staggering £185,000 was raised on the night, through ticket sales, sponsorship, auction and prize draw, which took the charity's total past £1m.

In addition to a live performance from Simply Red lead singer Mick Hucknall, the evening also included the three footballing knights in conversation with Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys.

Speaking just before the event, Sir Bobby said: "To have a team of people like Sir Alex, Sir Bobby [Charlton] and Mick Hucknall joining us here on my home turf is just incredible.

"I know what a busy work schedule Sir Alex has, and that Mick has flown in especially for this event, which shows wonderful commitment to our charity. I'm extremely grateful for their support.

"They tell me the 1,000 tickets for this night sold out in a matter of days but that doesn't surprise me. The people of this region are extremely generous and they also enjoy a good night out!

"I'm thoroughly looking forward to an evening of letting my hair down - although thanks to recent radiotherapy treatment I don't have much hair to let down any more!

"The treatment has knocked me for 12, not six, but every day is a new day and the support of my good friends, family and all the very many well-wishers and supporters of my charity keeps me positive.

An event in aid of the charity will be held at the Radisson SAS Hotel, Durham on New Year's Eve, giving guests the opportunity to see in the New Year with Sir Bobby himself. The 'Crystal Ball' hopes to raise even more money, with tickets priced at £85 each. Sir Bobby will be donating a limited edition, signed print to help raise funds for his charity on the night, and the star auction prize is a Brazil shirt signed by football legend Pele.

Sir Bobby said: "I'm grateful to the Radisson Hotel and sincerely wish all the guests attending the Crystal Ball a wonderful evening. I have no doubt it will go with a swing as people in this region are extremely good at enjoying themselves!

"We rely completely on people's generosity and events like this go some way towards raising the money we need to help the experts detect, treat and ultimately, beat cancer."

For more information, or to purchase a ticket please contact Gillian Rae on 0191 3780162

To make a donation to the charity, view messages of support, or for more information on The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, please visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.co.uk or donate by sending a cheque to:

Sir Bobby Robson Foundation,
PO Box 307,
Heaton
NE7 7QG

All donors will receive a personalised certificate and a letter of thanks from Sir Bobby.