A Truro pub manager is holding a special charity event to raise money for a surgical robot following her husband’s terminal bowel cancer diagnosis. 

Ellie Pitt, who has run the William IV with husband Paul for the past 11 years, has been fundraising for the special piece of equipment through a group she set up with staff and customers, called the Blue Belles.  

The group plan to host a glitzy ball on March 16 in the Royal Cornwall Museum to raise funds for Treliske’s surgical robot appeal – a specialist machine that operates on bowel cancer patients.  

The Blue Belles claim that Cornwall is now the only county across England, Scotland and Wales without a robot to operate on bowel cancer patients. 

With a theme of “dress to impress”, the ball will feature live music, food, drink and even robot photographers, but the surgical robot itself will be the main attraction, with attendees able to see and interact with it.  

Paul received his diagnosis in March last year. He had previously been given a standard screening kit but put it to one side on the assumption that he was okay. Sadly, the cancer has spread to his lungs.  

“The thought is constantly on my mind that Paul’s cancer could have been caught earlier,” said Ellie. “I want to raise awareness about taking the test when it’s provided.” 

Through quiz nights, balls and events, the Blue Belles raised an admirable £6,000 for the Royal Cornwall Hospital last year. For 2024, they have ambitions to raise £20,000. 

• Tickets cost £50 per ticket and can be purchased via Eventbrite.