FRIENDS and family of a late pensioner have donated hundreds of pounds for cutting edge equipment at Chase Farm Hospital.

The widow of 82-year-old Alfred Brown, Ann Brown, asked mourners to give money to the Da Vinci Robot Appeal in lieu of flowers at his funeral.

They have now raised more than £350 for the machine, which has revolutionised minimally invasive surgery.

The 75-year-old, from Enfield Highway, saw the robot when she visited her husband in Toronto ward.

Speaking to the Enfield Indpendent, she said: "Alfred would much sooner give to this appeal than waste money on flowers.”

The Da Vinci Robot Appeal is the largest ever fundraising project by Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust.

The hospitals need to raise £1.5 million for the machine, which it currently holds on lease.

The robot is one of the most advanced surgical systems in the world, using computer technology to enhance the surgeon's vision and movement during keyhole surgery.

This results in significantly less pain, blood loss, risk of wound infection and scarring for patients.

Trust fundraising manager Peter Butler said: "It was a great pleasure to meet Ann and hear her stories of her husband's positive view on life."

Anyone who would like to make a donation or fundraise for the Da Vinci Robot Appeal can contact Peter Butler on 020 8375 1619 or peter.butler@bcf.nhs.uk, or visit the Da Vinci Robot Just Giving page.