UROLOGY staff from Worcestershire hospitals have raised more than £4,000 to put towards a campaign to buy a state-of-the-art robot to help county cancer patients.

The staff raised the money during their summer ball, held at Chateau Impney, in Droitwich, which featured a three course meal, a charity auction, a fun casino and live music.

Money raised will be put towards the Rory the Robot appeal, which has now reached the £25,000 mark.

The appeal is aiming to raise £1.6 million for a surgical robot which will see patients benefit from less pain, minimal blood loss, quicker recovery times and reduced complications.

The new technology will allow surgeons to remove tumours with more precision rather than through open surgery.

Urology staff said they decided to support the appeal because of the benefits it will bring to their patients, especially those suffering from prostate cancer.

Paul Rajjayabun, consultant urologist, said: “Our summer ball was a great way to promote the Rory the Robot appeal for Worcestershire's first surgical robot.

"I am delighted by the huge amount we raised but we still have a way to go.”

At any one time, about 2,500 men across the county are living with prostate cancer, with about 450 to 550 new cases of the disease diagnosed every year.

Donations to the appeal can be made online by visiting justgiving.com/rorytherobot, or by texting RORY97 + £amount to 70070.

More information about the appeal can be found at worcsacute.nhs.uk/rorytherobot.