A KIND-HEARTED Redditch couple are celebrating their pearl wedding anniversary with a difference- they are asking all their friends and family to fore-go the gifts and cards and donate to a cause close to their hearts.
Barry and Jan Webb, of Hunt End, are holding the charity fundraiser at The Stratford Hotel tomorrow night (Saturday). The couple decided to hold the event for their loved ones instead of 30th wedding anniversary in the hope of raising thousands of pounds for the Rory the Robot Appeal
The machine will operate on patients with prostate within the Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust and can more than half their treatment and recovery time.
Barry, was diagnosed with the disease in June last year and had an operation in the July.
“I foolishly expected to be back to work in a fortnight but it really is a major operation.
“This robot would make such a massive difference. it shortens the amount of time you will be in hospital. It saves the hospital money in staff and meals etc.
“This is not for my benefit. I have had my operation but this would be fantastic for people who are diagnosed in the future.”
The pair have foot the bill for the entire event and have loved ones flying in from all over the world, from Norway and Germany to Spain and Gibraltar.
“We don’t want a big fuss. This event is not about us. We want to raise as much for the cause as possible and we are hoping to raise about £15,000.”
Rory the Robot will cost the trust £1.6million and so far the appeal has only raise £107,000. If the surgical robot is put in pace it mean less blood loss for the patient, less pain, a lower risk of complications, a shorter stay in hospital and a faster recovery.
Lisa Thomson, Director of Communications for Worcestershire Hospitals Acute Trust, said:
“Fundraising events like this are welcome and I would like to thank Barry and Janet Webb for organising the event. It is fantastic that local people come together to help raise funds for their local hospitals.”
To donate to the cause visit www.justgiving.com/RorytheRobot.
