Children are being urged to get involved in the appeal.

The hospital’s fundraising team has suggested a variety of ways schools and youth groups can take part.

Fundraiser Bronagh Daly said: “This can range from a sponsored silence to filling up jam jars with coins.

“Schools and committee groups can get a fundraising pack with lots of interesting ideas about how to raise money.”

E-mail charitable.funds@anhst.nhs.uk or call 01535 294546 to request a pack.