A £365,000 fundraising appeal for walking robotics to help stroke patients has successfully crossed the finishing line in just 20 months.

The Walkerbot is now in use in Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s Stroke Unit, the only one of its kind in an NHS hospital in England.

It uses a harness suspended above a treadmill and robotic limbs to move the patient’s legs in a consistent pattern.

A computer controls the pace of walking and measures and adapts to the body’s response to movement.

A therapist stands by to instruct the patient and analyse how they are walking, while interactive games and feedback help with motivation.

It will help patients to take the thousands of steps needed a day to allow their brains to rewire during recovery.

The aptly named Walkerbot appeal was launched by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity last year.

Thanks to generous donations from individuals, local businesses and community supporters, the device was funded by the charity in 20 months.

Dr Louise Johnson, Consultant Therapist for Stroke at University Hospitals Dorset, said: “I can’t quite believe the Walkerbot campaign has come to an end and that we are now able to offer people in East Dorset access to such an incredible piece of technology as part of their rehabilitation with us.

“The science behind what we do in stroke rehabilitation is always evolving, along with our understanding of how best to support patient recovery.

“It’s fantastic for patients, but equally exciting for our staff who are committed to providing excellent care.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team over the coming weeks and months as we embed this within our stroke and neuro rehab services.”

Sara Brammall, Managing Director at Summit Medical and Scientific, said: “Congratulations to the fantastic fundraising team at University Hospitals Dorset and a huge thank you to all those who contributed to the campaign.

“This device will make a big difference to the lives of stroke patients and their families, who deserve access to the very best rehabilitation possible.

“We are very proud to have played a part in bringing such beneficial equipment to the hospital and look forward to seeing patients making great progress.”

Karen Smith, Fundraising Manager at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, said: “The Walkerbot appeal has been such an exciting project for us and we are delighted that stroke patients now have access to such an incredible piece of technology.

“The support we’ve received during this campaign has been phenomenal and I cannot thank each and every supporter enough for making donations, taking on challenges and doing what they can to support the hospital.”

The Walkerbot appeal was a true community effort.

Donations came in many different forms and included a donation of £150,000 from the Alan Miller Charitable Trust, just a few months into the fundraising appeal.

Further funds were raised through challenge sponsorships, grants from local charitable trusts, individual donations and events as well as both corporate and community support.