Donations shock Sir Bobby's widow

Sir Bobby Robson: the patient

More than £156,000 was raised for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in the month after he died, say the cancer charity's organisers.

The figure includes £30,000 donated by fans who visited a shrine at Newcastle's St James' Park following the former England manager's death.

His widow, Lady Elsie Robson, said the family were "completely overwhelmed".

County Durham-born Sir Bobby died on 31 July at the age of 76 following a long battle against cancer.

Lady Robson said: "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.

"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."

St James' Park was opened to fans for 11 days after Sir Bobby's death

The family will ensure every penny raised is spent wisely, she added.

Just five days after he died, about £40,000 had been donated via the charity's Just Giving website, which has so far raised more than £1.6m.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was set up by the former Newcastle boss in March 2008 to raise money to fund clinical trials of new drugs and treatments to beat cancer.

As well as managing England, Sir Bobby also had spells at Fulham, Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.