A MALVERN-based Masonic lodge has just handed over £500 to the Rory the Robot Appeal.

The appeal is to buy a surgical robot for the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch for prostate cancer patients.

This method of surgery ensures a faster recovery time and reduced blood loss and will be a huge boost to the hospital’s already renowned specialist urology cancer service.

The donation was presented to appeal chairman Ian Jukes, at the Worcestershire Golf Club, Malvern Wells, by Ken Hill and Chris Hopes of the Malvern Priory Lodge of Mark Master Masons No 1351, bringing to £1,000 that the lodge has donated to the appeal.

The appeal was set up by a grateful patient and has already raised around £400,000 over the last three years.

Mr Jukes said: “After the National Lottery, the Freemasons are the second largest donators to UK charities. The Rory Appeal has received a number of very generous donations from the Freemasons of Worcestershire and are we are immensely grateful for their support.”

Mr Hill said: “As all Freemasons are men, we are as likely to be affected by prostate cancer as any other male; therefore to raise funds for Rory the Robot, equipment that will give the amazing benefits, made it an easy and ideal choice.”