RESIDENTS are being urged to put their best foot forward and run, ride or ramble for prostate cancer patients.
The Rory the Robot Big Run, Ride and Ramble Weekend aims to raise money towards the £1.6million appeal to buy a surgical robot for the urology service at the Alexandra Hospital, which is the county’s centre of excellence.
The main event takes place on Saturday, September 20 and challenges residents to cycle between the Alex and the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. Cyclists can choose to complete the 17 mile journey once, ride halfway there and back again or take on the 34mile round trip.
Anyone aged 12 and over can take part, although those under 16 will have to be accompanied by an adult. Registration costs £10 for an adult and £5 for children with all those taking part receiving a Ride for Rory pack including a high visibility tabard.
Among those already registered to take part is Donna Elkins, who works in purchasing and logistics at Moons Moat based Praybourne Products which is run by Ian Jukes, who survived prostate cancer and is a firm supporter of the Rory the Robot appeal.
“I wanted a personal challenge this year, after hearing my boss Ian had been given the ‘all clear’ from his battle with prostate cancer thought a bike ride would be an ideal way to raise funds for Rory and thank him for his support to me over the last few years with my hip problem,” she said.
“I know how vital it is the people of Worcestershire have access to a robot.”
For those who want to play their part but in a less strenuous way then Redditch Lions are organising a Fun Run in Arrow Valley Park on Sunday, September 21 and have agreed to split the proceeds between Prostate Cancer UK and the Rory the Robot appeal. The 5k run is open to people of all ages and abilities.
Anyone who cannot take part on the weekend itself but want to get involved are being urged to hold their own event on a different date but are asked to email [email protected] and let the fund-raising team know.
Prostate cancer claims the life of one man every hour and there are up to 550 new cases diagnosed in Worcestershire alone ever year. Using a robot will allow tumours to be removed with more precision and result in less blood loss, less pain after surgery and a lower risk of complications.
Visit www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/rorytherobot and click on the run, ride, ramble link to register for the ride and visit http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/redditch/calendar.php to register for the fun run.
Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/rorytherobot or text RORY 97 plus £amount to 70070.
