Our readers are known to be the most generous in the county and this year we hope will be no different.

Last year the Medway Messenger supported the National Blood Service in its annual campaign to get people to give blood.

And for 2008 the Medway Messenger, together with kmfm for Medway, are backing a cause that is just as vital in saving lives.

The Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust have launched the Giraffe Appeal to raise £25,000 to buy the kind of equipment that could prove vital in helping its young patients survive.

Over the past fortnight the Medway Messenger has been in touch with businesses across the Towns to drum up support for a giant raffle.

Trust co-ordinator Pat Bagley, said: “The trust is extremely grateful for all of the prizes so generously donated.

"Times are hard at the moment for everyone so it’s lovely to see this kind of response.

“Some prizes are time sensitive so we will hold an in-house raffle for staff and parents who currently have babies in the unit and their families.

“We’ll sell raffle tickets for the other prizes in the hospital reception area. Hopefully they’ll raise a tidy sum for the appeal.”

The campaign is also being backed by our radio station kmfm.

Tune in throughout December for regular updates on the appeal.

Presenter Oli Kemp said: “The unit is really important to Medway and we’re really proud to being helping to raise money and awareness of the work they do.

“I hope lots of people will back the campaign in the run up to Christmas.”

• Donations can be sent by cheque to Pat Bagley, the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust, Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham, ME7 5NY.

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.