A GROUP of prostate cancer survivors are on the final leg of a mammoth fundraising effort to buy a state-of-the-art machine which will treat men with the disease.

The Rory the Robot Appeal set out to raise a down payment of £300,000 for the machine, which will allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery, removing the prostate gland.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity is also fundraising for the £1.6 million machine, which will be based at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital.

Led by Bromsgrove Morrisons employee Brian Wilkes, along with Ian Jukes and Paul Markall, the campaign saw the men touring the company’s stores in Worcestershire to raise awareness and collect money for the appeal.

Mr Wilkes, who was diagnosed with the disease last year after he discovered his brother had cancer, is a retired Shell executive and has been working part-time on the checkouts at Morrisons for the past seven and a half years.

It has already raised £230,000 but stills needs tens of thousands more before a down payment for the machine can be made.

76-year-old Mr Wilkes said: "The machine's introduction will result in patients living in Herefordshire and Worcestershire not having to travel vast distances for treatments but being looked after in the area they reside.

"The appeal requires a further £70,000 for once the £300,000 is raise the first down-payment will be made."

A series of charity activities are scheduled to help raise the final £70,000, including a collection at Webbs of Wychbold, a sponsored run and a Boxing Day tractor rally.

Bag packing events have been held, including Morrisons in Bromsgrove, raising thousands for the appeal, while the supermarket giant has donated £25,000.

To make a donation call 01905 760453 or email wah-tr.fundraising@nhs.net

For more information about the campaign visit worcsacute.nhs.uk/about-us/fundraising/latest-events-and-appeals/rory-the-robot/