The aim of the Trust is to improve the health and wellbeing of people connected with the Grampian Police force area, reducing social exclusion and encouraging good citizenship through empowerment.

The Trust chose UCAN as its nominated charity for 2012 after being impressed by the potential of its current campaign, to raise £2.5million for robotic-assisted surgical equipment.

The highly advanced equipment and two specially designed theatres would be the first in Scotland, and used to treat urological, gynaecological and colorectal patients. UCAN is spearheading the partnership campaign from its base at Ward 44 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Considered to be the future for surgical procedures, the robot is a powerful and highly advanced tool that enables precision and intricate surgery to be carried out in many more patients, speeding up operating times.

Run by volunteer police officers and support staff from Grampian Police, along with a number of retired officers and associates, the Trust is planning a series of fundraising events, including a major cycle challenge.

Assistant Chief Constable Colin Menzies, a trustee of the Diced Cap Charitable Trust, said: "We are delighted to be partnered with UCAN and hope to raise as much money as possible for the charity in 2012. We were recently invited to an open day in Aberdeen to see the robotic-assisted surgical equipment and were impressed by this remarkable technology.

"The overall remit of the Diced Cap Charitable Trust is to improve the health and wellbeing of the people who live in the force area across the North-east, so this campaign fits very well, particularly as so many patients across different areas of surgery would benefit from this very latest equipment. We look forward to working closely with UCAN over the coming year."

Fiona JD Pearson, UCAN's fundraising manager, said: "We are excited to be working with the Diced Cap Charitable Trust and are pleased to have been chosen as its nominated charity for the coming year.

"We need to raise £2.5million by the end of 2013 to bring the robotic-assisted surgical equipment to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary which will directly - and indirectly - benefit thousands of people in the local area, so the Trust's support will go a long way towards helping us achieve our target."