3:52PM, Wed Sep 12, 2012

First In Europe: Sir Bobby Robson's Legacy In Cancer-Fighting Equipment

By Joe Daunt Location: Newcastle University

Video: Lady Elsie with the PET Tracer Unit at Newcastle University

A ground-breaking machine that can treat and diagnose cancer has been officially opened by Sir Bobby Robson's widow, Lady Elsie.

The PET Tracer Production Unit at Newcastle University houses a new piece of equipment, a Biomarker Generator.

It works by tracing radioactive materials within the blood, allowing it to target cancer cells more effectively.

It is the first in Europe and only the second in the world.

The purchase was only possible thanks to a contribution of £625,000, the largest to date, from the cancer charity Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie launched in 2008.

Lady Elsie said: "I’m so pleased to see this new unit open and we’re all very proud that the University chose to name it after the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

"We’ve been discussing this new equipment for such a long time and because it’s so special it’s taken a great deal of effort to purchase and install it."

Sir Bobby Robson’s son, Mark Robson said: “We are so grateful to all the fundraisers of the Sir Bobby Foundation.

"We have a 100 runners for the Foundation doing the Great North Run – all helping in the fight against cancer."

The Biomarker Generator is being tested to ensure it meets international clinical standards and will begin to be used on patients within the year.