Knights come out for charity bash

Sir Bobby is fighting cancer for a fifth time

Sir Bobby Robson has spoken of his latest battle against cancer during a fundraising charity event.

The 75-year-old former England manager has been diagnosed with the disease five times in the last 15 years.

He was speaking at a fundraiser in aid of his money-raising foundation in the Rainton Meadows Suites, Houghton-le-Spring, on Thursday evening.

Sir Bobby thanked his well-wishers and supporters at the event including Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton.

The sell-out fundraiser, The Night of All Knights, is in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

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

Sir Bobby Robson

The foundation has raised more than �500,000 to pay for a research centre for the early detection of the disease.

Former Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall and opera singer Graeme Danby are performing at the event.

Sir Bobby said: "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."

Sir Bobby said he wanted to repay the NHS for the care he has received since he was first diagnosed with cancer in 1992.

He added: "The people of this region are extremely generous and they also enjoy a good night out."