NORTH-EAST football united to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation – on the day the charity announced it has passed the £9million fundraising mark.

The Sir Bobby Robson celebrity golf day is a popular fixture on the region’s golf calendar and brings together current and former representatives of Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Sunderland football clubs to raise money for people facing cancer.

Organised by Sir Bobby’s family, the event sold out well in advance and was again held at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, near Darlington.

A host of famous faces attended, including foundation's patron, Alan Shearer.

He said: “Sir Bobby’s sadly left u, but he’s left something very special behind with this charity.

“The funds that have been raised, and the work which has been carried out, is absolutely staggering and it continues to get bigger and better.

“We’ve got a fantastic day, it’s a great venue and great people coming together, many travelling from all over the country to be here. It’ll be competitive, but today is mainly about raising money and awareness of a great cause.”

Former Sunderland captain Michael Gray added: “It’s amazing to see how much the Foundation has raised with days like this.

"It galvanises everybody from the North-East and brings them together, and that can only be good for the area.

“I feel very proud to be part of it. Sir Bobby had the amazing knack of bringing people together when he walked into a room you knew he was there.

"He was a ‘head turner’ and a true gentleman, not just in sport, but in every walk of life.

"The Foundation’s message is very important, every little bit of support helps and it will keep getting stronger, bigger and better the more people that get involved in it.”

Former England cricketer Graeme Swann is a fan of Newcastle United and great supporter of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

He said: “Today is about the foundation and, for me personally, it’s a great opportunity to play with some of my football heroes like Alan Shearer and Steve Harper.

“Sir Bobby transcended those barriers between and football clubs and supporters. Very, very few people do that and he was possibly the most popular England manager ever.

“Cancer doesn’t care who you support or how many goals you scored last year or whatever, it will affect everybody sooner or later.

“It’s vital that organisations like this Foundation exist and the fact that Sir Bobby’s name is attached to this one makes it extra special.”

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation funds projects, including the clinical trials of new drugs, that directly benefit patients from across the North-East and Cumbria and which contribute significantly to international research into cancer.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information, visit sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Charitable Funds Office, Peacock Hall, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP.