Sir Bobby Robson: The gentleman of British sport
Then in August that year, he collapsed during a match at Portland Road, shortly after he was made life president of Ipswich Town, and a brain tumour was found. The subsequent operation removed the growth but a bleed left him paralysed down the left side.
A routine check-up in February 2007 revealed more tumours on his lungs. This time they were inoperable.
He devoted his precious time to raising cash for the fight against cancer.
He launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, with the aim of fitting out a specialist cancer detection centre at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
The £500,000 target was quickly met, and two days after his 76th birthday, he officially opened the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Centre.
He used his contacts in football to raise large sums for the foundation, but it was the £5 notes that strangers thrust into his hands that moved him most.
He threw himself into public appearances, despite losing his independence due to his paralysis, and he surely came to realise just how much he was loved. The feeling was mutual, as he remained ever grateful to the public for their support.
He finally admitted cancer was going to kill him, saying: "I have accepted what they have told me and I am determined to make the most of what time I have left.
"I am going to die sooner rather than later.
"But then everyone has to go some time, and I have enjoyed every minute."
Sir Bobby is survived by his wife Lady Elsie and their three children, Andrew, Paul and Mark.
Click here to read West Brom writer Chris Lepkowski's tribute to Sir Bobby
