World Cup-winning rugby star Lawrence Dallaglio scrummed down to help raise tens of thousands of pounds for the new Oxford Cancer Centre.

The former Wasps and England player, whose mother was recently diagnosed with cancer, was at Wadham College to lend his support at a gala dinner.

The aim of the event was to raise cash for new equipment which is beyond the NHS budget for the centre at the Chuchill Hospital, in Headington.

Mr Dallaglio, who retired from rugby last month, agreed to get involved after his mother was diagnosed with the illness a few months ago.

He said: "She is currently battling against some cancer in her neck and having chemotherapy and radiotherapy, so I wanted to get involved.

"I know that, through sport, I can help with fundraising efforts like this. I met Nick Maynard, the leading surgeon at the hospital, and we got chatting about it and I felt we could make a difference."

The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust is investing £109m to create the new purpose-built cancer centre in the city.

Its aim is to offer patients updated facilities and pull together the hospital's specialist cancer staff under one roof.

Mr Dallaglio, who was in the England team which won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, said: "So many of us are touched by cancer in some way.

"I have seen for myself what is planned at the new centre and I'm delighted I can do something to help patients and their families."

Saturday's event raised £50,000 with an auction of rugby memorabilia which was hosted by author Jeffery Archer.

The money will be used to help fund a new system for keyhole surgery at the cancer centre's upper gastro intestinal (GI) unit.

Mr Maynard, clinical lead for upper GI at the centre, said: "The surgeons will have the very latest, hi-tech facilities to carry out safer, more accurate and more advanced surgery for cancer patients.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to build on the world-class services we already provide."

Ian Webb, who has fought three different types of cancer, said: "I have spent a considerable amount of time in hospital.

"Knowing you're in a specialist environment with the latest equipment is invaluable in the recovery and well-being of any patient."