The Bristolian who helped relieve former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho of his overcoat, rubbed shoul- ders with Bobby Moore and set up one of the leading cancer charities in the UK has added his name to Bristol's 2018 World Cup bid.

Bob Woodward, who founded Clic (Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood) in 1976 following the death of his son, was at Wembley 10 years earlier for the 1966 World Cup final.

Intoxicated by the experience he travelled to Mexico for the 1970 tournament and has watched top level football ever since, drawing on his passion to help his fundraising work.

When Premier League Chelsea agreed to support Clic during Mourinho's tenure, the charismatic manager was convinced to auction his "lucky" grey overcoat for £22,000.

The 76-year-old has achieved many things since leaving school aged 14.

But he has never witnessed World Cup football in his home town and the prospect has prompted him to come forward and pledge his support.

Bristol is one of 16 cities hoping for inclusion in England's 2018 World Cup bid.

The Frenchay resident, who has been granted the freedom of the city for his charity work, is adamant it should be one of the 12 venues selected.

"I would love to see that in my lifetime," he said.

"I think you have to have been to a World Cup to know what it is like.

"It is so extraordinary, it is all the best sporting experiences you have had rolled into one.

"It creates the most amazing response from people."

Mr Woodward recalls his Mexican adventure.

"I was in a coach with a load of Germans," he said. "So you can imagine what that was like coming back.

"I've been to many places following England but nothing has compared with 1966. To have had a World Cup in England was just so magical.

"Everybody was pulling together, so chuffed that the country had achieved some- thing."

Bristol missed out in 1966 and the West Country went unrepresented.

This time round though the region has a prime opportunity to be part of the most watched sporting event in the world.

Plans are in hand for a new World Cup worthy stadium in Ashton Vale and the world's visitors will be enticed to the beautiful countryside, coastline, villages, towns and cities of the West Country.

Due to his home being in north Bristol, Mr Woodward said he has spent more time at Rovers than City, but counts friends from both clubs.

He said: "A host venue for Bristol would be wonderful and the buzz around the city would be a tonic for everybody.

"The whole city was buzzing when Bristol City beat Arsenal in their first match back in the First Division (in 1976) and it can be again if World Cup football was hosted here."

Back in 1966 Mr Woodward waited around Wembley after the final and took his chance to approach England's captain Bobby Moore.

"We went round to where the team coach was and mingled with the team for about two hours after the game," he said.

"I met Bobby Moore a couple of times again afterwards and he was a fantastic player and just a lovely man."