A COUPLE have twirled across the dancefloor to raise £1,800 to fund robots that can perform surgery.

Graham Christie and Diane Whitelaw, from Bicknacre, held a charity dance at Hamptons Sport and Leisure in Great Baddow.

The couple, who both teach dancing, were inspired to raise funds for the £1.5million Rally Together For The Robot appeal after Graham underwent robotic surgery.

He was diagnosed with cancer after being struck by food poisoning on a holiday in 2015.

Graham said: “I was very lucky that my GP at the Danbury Medical Centre was on the ball.

“He acted immediately and within two weeks I’d been given a colonoscopy, CT scan and MRI scan, complete with results.

“After eight days in Broomfield Hospital, I was ready to return home and face life with a stoma bag.

“Rather than feeling sorry for myself, I made a conscious decision to continue with life as normal. It took a while to regain my fitness levels, but I was soon dancing again, rambling with my walking group and swimming.

“I hope my story will bring inspiration to anyone feeling reluctant to pursue life with the same vigour as before. Don’t let it stand in your way.”

Guests enjoyed an evening of ballroom, Latin and sequence dancing.

Ms Whitelaw added: “Funding the robot is so important. The evening was a great success – more so than we could ever have imagined.”

The fundraiser also received support from businesses in Maldon, including Asda, the Claremont Garden Centre and Morrisons.

The Broomfield Hospital appeal has now broken the £1million barrier.

For details, and to donate, visit justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/midessexhospitals/surgicalbot.