THE wife of footballing legend Sir Bobby Robson has praised the "incredible" success of an online auction that raised more than £200,000 for cancer charities.

Lady Elsie Robson welcomed the £202,774 fundraising total that was unveiled yesterday following the Sir Bobby Breakthrough Auction, which finished on Sunday night.

And following on from the success, organiser Gina Long has revealed she is hoping to arrange another charity auction in 2013.

Last night, Lady Robson said: “My family and I are extremely grateful to Gina for her vision, hard work and enthusiasm in creating this ambitious charity venture.

“We’re also very appreciative of all the many people who have pitched in and helped by volunteering their time, expertise and incredible auction prizes.

“When my husband and I launched our charity in 2008 Bob said he felt like he was at the helm of a team again. What he called his last and greatest team and taking on a challenge far greater than any football match. We began with the aim to equip a centre to trial new cancer drugs and we’ve been able to fulfil that ambition and do so much more.”