The former Newcastle United and England manager, who has been struck down with cancer five times, kicked off a campaign bearing his name in Newcastle yesterday.

The 75-year-old said: "There are many generous people out there in the north east, and we need their support.

"We need £500,000 by June to pay for a state-of-the-art cancer research unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

"Every one of us has been touched by cancer at some point in our lives, whether it's ourselves, a friend, or a family member."

Sir Bobby was joined on stage by TV pundits Jim Rosenthal and Des Lynam, and former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, whose daughter died of cancer.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation will initially focus on the early detection and treatment of cancer.

It will also help support clinical trials of promising new treatments to tackle the disease.

The charity's first goal is to raise money needed to set up the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the new Northern Centre for Cancer Care.

Cash raised will fund dedicated research facilities including a 12-bed unit with treatment rooms, a laboratory and consulting facilities.

Sir Bobby first discovered there was a local opportunity to contribute to the fight against cancer after Dr Ruth Plummer, the oncologist currently treating him, asked for potential contacts to help her raise money to equip a new research centre.

Dr Plummer said she hardly dared hope that her speculative request would lead to such a high-profile call for funds.

She said: "I never expected any of this. It's the best chance possible of raising the money we need."

To make a donation to the foundation, visit www.justgiving.com/TheSirBobbyRobsonFoundation or send a cheque to: Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE 7 7QG.

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