£1.5m target reached in our appeal with ACT to buy Addenbrooke’s a new surgical robot

We have done it!

Our appeal with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to raise funds to pay for a new surgical robot has reached its massive £1.5million target.

Together we launched the Buy Addenbrooke’s a Robot appeal just 18 months ago.

In our coverage, we explained to readers how another new surgical robot for Addenbrooke’s would help patients undergoing surgery by enabling smaller incisions, leading to quicker and better post-op recovery and improved outcomes, meaning that they can get back to their loved ones in a matter of days rather than the weeks usually required after traditional ‘open’ surgery.

Operated by a surgeon, the robot also reduces scarring and the risk of complications while minimising pain and discomfort.

The new robot will help to keep the hospital’s surgical programme moving.

Fundraisers stepped up to the challenge in a host of ways, including:

• taking part in the Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival;
• running the London Marathon;
• taking a penalty kick challenge;
• walking up a flight of stairs 10 times a day for 100 days; and
• learning Welsh for 1,000 minutes.

A substantial donation from the Alborada Trust also helped us to reach the target.

Dr Ashley Shaw, medical director at Cambridge University Hospitals, said: “We are hugely grateful to the generosity of donors and the support of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust in enabling us to bring the benefits of robotic surgery to our patients in Cambridge.

“This gift will enable many patients to undergo a range of major surgical procedures with fewer complications and faster recovery.”

ACT chief executive Shelly Thake said: “We are bowled over by the impressive efforts of our fundraisers and the generosity of our donors in helping us to reach our target; a massive thank you to everyone who has supported this important appeal.

“A special thank you must go to the Alborada Trust, who have yet again donated so substantially to one of our appeals.

“Many more people undergoing surgery will now benefit from a reduced risk of complications and infection, less pain and scarring, and will be able to get back home to their loved ones much sooner. In short, you’ve helped to make your hospital even better.”

Jeremy Richardson, director of The Alborada Trust, said: “We are delighted to be part of this tremendous community effort to support ACT in helping to improve the lives of patients at Addenbrooke’s by enabling the hospital’s amazing staff to make even greater use of state-of-the-art technology. We are committed to making a real difference with the support we give; this project will do just that.”

The hospital will now begin the procurement process to purchase the new robot.

Editor Paul Brackley said: “It is fantastic news that the £1.5m target has been reached. We are so grateful for all the support we have received from readers in supporting this appeal with ACT. This fundraising effort will help patients for years to come at Addenbrooke’s.”

Anyone who still has funds to donate to the appeal can still do so as their money could help towards ongoing costs, such as training for staff who will be using the robot.

To find out more, visit www.helpyourhospital.co.uk/donate.