Appeal organisers are urging people to Gift Aid any donations.

This enables the fundraising team to claim an additional 25p for every £1 given.

“This means – for example – if you make a donation of £10 and sign a form to allow us to claim Gift Aid on your behalf, the donation turns into £12.50,” said a spokesman.

“To make a donation in this way, all you have to do is sign a simple form to say you are a UK taxpayer.”

E-mail charitable.funds@anhst.nhs.uk, or contact Christine Clay in the hospital finance team on (01535) 294925 to request a Gift Aid form.