Sir Bobby Robson foundation helps fund new cutting edge radiotherapy technology

A £3 million radiotherapy system is being used to treat cancer patients at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Local charities, including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, have helped to raise the money for the equipment, which was previously only available in London.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation made its largest contribution to date - £850,000 towards the cost of the machine.

The new stereotactic radiotherapy system uses detailed scans and computerised 4D treatment planning to treat cancer and deliver radiation with tremendous accuracy.

Small, thin beams of radiation are directed from different angles to meet at the tumour, which receives a high dose of radiation while the surrounding healthy tissues receive a reduced dose.