Today we’re urging our print and online readers to give just 50p to the Medway Messenger’s Christmas appeal.

Together with kmfm, the Medway Messenger is supporting the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust’s Giraffe Appeal to raise £25,000 to buy the kind of equipment that could prove vital in helping its young patients survive.

Medway Messenger editor Bob Bounds said: “This is a fantastic appeal and I am proud the paper is supporting it.

“Hundreds of babies’ lives are saved every year thanks to the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby unit.

“Without the unit babies needing urgent medical care would have to be transferred outside the county.

“The unit is vital and the trust needs the extra money to buy specialist equipment so the nursing staff can carry out its work effectively.

“Times are hard but what an amazing achievement it would be if every one of our readers donated 50p and managed to raise the £25,000 needed before Christmas.”

kmfm breakfast presenter Oli Kemp said: “If everyone could spare just 50p then it would help the appeal reach its target. You never know when you or a member of your family may need the unit so it’s vital we raise the extra cash needed to support its work.”

• Donations can be sent by cheque to Pat Bagley, the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, ME7 5NY. Mark the envelope MM or KMFM depending on where you heard about the campaign.

To organise a fund-raising event call 01634 825122 between 9am and 4pm on Tuesday and Thursday or email patricia.bagley@medway.nhs.uk

• Planning a fund-raising event in aid of the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust’s Giraffe appeal?

Let the Medway Messenger know and we’ll publicise your event. Call the newsdesk on 01634 227803 or email hrobinson@thekmggroup.co.uk.