This week sees the launch of our new Airedale Hospital emergency department appeal.

Health bosses need to raise £100,000 to buy vital equipment for the new £6.3 million unit currently under construction.

While the NHS foots the bill for the essentials, fundraising is required to pay for extra facilities also deemed crucial by care staff. This includes ‘distraction walls’ for the dedicated children’s centre, easing youngsters’ distress at what can be a highly worrying time for them and their families.

A specialist Butterfly Room will also provide invaluable state-of-the-art care for highly vulnerable dementia patients.

We appreciate this latest rallying cry comes just weeks after kind-hearted readers helped raise £1.1 million to cover the running costs of the Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope. And we haven’t abandoned the Sue Ryder team, as you can see with our continued coverage on page 28 this week.

But this is another cause close to our hearts, and one that deserves our full backing.

Each and every one of us will, at some point, likely call on the services of the dedicated A&E team. By supporting this appeal, you will be helping ensure staff have the best possible resources at hand to treat you and your loved ones with the maximum level of care they deserve.