When thieves struck on a children’s ward at the QEQM hospital at Margate, generous kmfm listeners stepped in to ensure Christmas wasn’t ruined for the youngsters.

Devastated staff nurse Heather Jones contacted the radio station after one of the Nintendo Wii games consoles used by patients on the Rainbow ward went missing.

She said: “It’s very sad and sick to think that someone could just walk off with one of the children’s toys, especially in the week before Christmas.

“The children look forward to coming in and using the games because it eases their pain a little.”

Within minutes of Heather making an appeal on Johnny Lewis’s breakfast show, Steve Banyard, owner of the Havens café in Sandwich, and Margate resident Mandy Hart both pledged to replace the Wii.

Steve said: “I heard the appeal on kmfm, looked over at my partner Trish and straight away we both decided to go and buy a new Wii for the children. We’re just pleased to be able to help out.”

Mandy queued outside a games store at Westwood Cross retail centre before it opened after hearing about the appeal. She said: “I was touched by what I heard. It is quite appalling that people could take things from a children’s hospital ward. I got to the shop before it opened and delivered the consol to Johnny within an hour. Christmas in hospital is never pleasant for anyone - I hope the children enjoy playing on their new console.”

Another kmfm regular listener is taxi driver Mick who called in and offered to buy a Wii system as well, while the Play It store in Deal has pledged extra games to go with it.

Johnny Lewis said: “It was quite astounding. The response came within minutes of me mentioning what had happened. Then the calls kept on coming. I was amazed.”

Thanet Extra chief reporter Peter Barnett said: “Thanet is a deprived area but time and again our residents have proved they have hearts of gold when it comes to those in need.

"Their response has been magnificent and it encapsulates the true spirit of Christmas.”

Johnny Lewis is to visit the Rainbow ward at 1pm on Christmas Eve to present the Wii equipment.