A charity which funds “life-changing” robots to help children battling long-term illnesses access their education is looking to raise more money as demand increases.

The Chartwell Cancer Trust based in Kent, is the first organisation to provide the cutting-edge technology in hospitals and schools.

It has supported schools such as New Horizon's Academy in Chatham and Knole Academy in Sevenoaks, as well as others in Sidcup, Beckenham and Bromley.

Each AV1 No Isolation Robot sits at a desk in the classroom, acting as the child’s ears, eyes and voice to allow the student to join the lesson virtually from a phone or tablet.

The camera allows youngsters to read books and worksheets, and talk to the class through an in-built speaker.

Currently, the charity has 22 robots, which help children to maintain their connection with friends and keep up their schoolwork, but the organisation has seen an increase in requests for the technology.

However, the robots cost £3,500 initially including the first year’s maintenance and then require a further £700 annually for maintenance.

As a result, the charity is organising its Stride or Ride Event at Bewl Water on Saturday, September 21 which will see participants walk, run or cycle 5k, 10k or the full 12.5-mile circuit of the reservoir.

Events start at 11am. Click here for more and to sign up.

One young patient, Tomi George, who recently underwent surgery, has an AV1 Robot called Riley who will be moving with her to secondary school this week.

She will be joining the Stride or Ride Event despite receiving continued treatment and has already raised more than £1,000 for the charity.

A spokesperson for The Chartwell Cancer Trust said: “Her participation is a testament to the resilience of the children we support and indeed of the gratitude they have on receiving the AV1 Robot.

“We are the first charity to fund these life-changing robots in our local hospitals and schools and we are working hard to expand the use of this technology in the UK.

“We are in urgent need of sponsors to help us continue this vital service.”

The Chartwell Cancer Trust also works on a project called The Oncology Guide – a pioneering app designed to provide a comprehensive resource for families facing a paediatric cancer diagnosis.