Support for the appeal is also coming from the Friends of Airedale.

The independent charity – governed by a board of volunteer trustees, chaired by Eileen Proud – has about 300 members.

It generates about £120,000 a year for the hospital, with a large chunk from its shop just inside the main entrance.

Money has helped buy equipment for many of the wards to enhance patient care.

Mrs Proud has been liaising with the Emergency Department Appeal team, and has offered the Friends’ help to fundraise for some of the items on the wish list.

Airedale fundraiser, Bronagh Daly, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside one of the hospital charities and its many volunteers.

“It has so much experience in appeal fundraising, and Eileen especially is so well known by both staff and the local community for her tireless service raising much-needed funds, not just for specific appeals but for the entire hospital.”

E-mail airedalefriends@hotmail.co.uk or call (01535) 294607 for further information about the Friends group.