**Thank you for your generous support for 5K Across the Bay. Our new fundraising campaign page for Robotic Surgery can be found here *** https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/rchtroboticsurgeryfund

On the 8th of July 2023, NHS surgeon and novice open water swimmer, Nick Battersby will swim across Falmouth Bay from Rosemullion Head to Pendennis Point, along with a pod of 30 or more other swimmers. This is a 5km (3mile) swim (an Ironman Swim is only 3.9Km). Sureswim Kernow has kindly volunteered to support the event. Swimmers from Royal Cornwall Hospital, Sureswim Kernow and other experienced locals will take part with support from local Surf Life Saving Clubs.

5k Across the Bay is raising funds for surgical innovation at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust with a desire to develop a robotic surgery programme for the county.

Nick Battersby, Colorectal Consultant and Bowel Cancer Lead for RCHT, explains the importance of the cause and his passion for the development of robotic technology,

"The Royal Cornwall NHS Trust (RCHT) is the only hospital to provide emergency and planned major surgery for the whole of Cornwall. We are determined to give Cornish patients the best care, in Cornwall, without the need to travel out of county where possible.

We have been at the leading edge of surgical treatments and are renowned for early adoption of minimally invasive surgery (small incisions made using miniaturised surgical instruments).

A robot would provide the next step in modern surgical care for patients at RCHT. It is exciting using this new technology. It attracts dynamic surgical and nursing staff, which ensures the RCHT Surgical Departments offer the people in Cornwall the best available care."

For more information:

See: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cornwall-65600940

Listen: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0fnk5gh