LOCAL people are being urged to get on their bikes this weekend, and raise funds for a life-saving, cancer fighting robot.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is looking for local people to take part in its Ride for Rory cycle ride between the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch and Worcestershire Royal Hospital this Saturday, September 20.

The sponsored cycle ride is in support of the Rory the Robot appeal which aims to raise £1.6million to purchase a new surgical robot for the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, the county’s centre of excellence for urology.

Adel Makar, urology consultant and lead cancer clinician for the Trust, said: "Prostate cancer survival rates were already among the best in Europe but with other hospitals in Birmingham or Gloucestershire either having already bought a machine or fund-raising for one, there was a danger the county could get left behind. This surgery is already becoming available elsewhere in the country and we want to make it available in Redditch for all our Worcestershire patients.

“If everyone in Worcestershire donated just £5 each we would be able to buy the robot straight away. Please support us and help us save lives.”

Routes are available for all abilities, whether you are a beginner or up for a challenge, you can choose to ride 17 miles from the Alexandra to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, or vice versa. There and back again is 34 miles in total or you could do part of the way there and back again if you want to start and finish at the same location but can’t manage the full 34 miles.

Registration for the event costs £10 for adults and £5 for children (under 16) with all funds going towards the Rory the Robot Appeal. The event is open to children over the age of 12 and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Entry includes a Rory the Robot high visibility jacket and a certificate. Supporters are encouraged to raise as much sponsorship as they can in support of Rory.

To register to Ride for Rory please call the fundraising team on 01905 760551 or email fundraising@worcsacute.nhs.uk.

People can donate to the Rory the Robot appeal online at www.justgiving.com/rorytherobot, by texting RORY97 + £amount to 70070.