THIS year the Comet is urging readers to support a charity which provides vital support to children and babies. Stevenage-based children s charity Building Blocks raises cash for vulnerable youngsters cared for by the Lister Hospital and this year they ho

THIS year the Comet is urging readers to support a charity which provides vital support to children and babies.

Stevenage-based children's charity Building Blocks raises cash for vulnerable youngsters cared for by the Lister Hospital and this year they hope to raise at least £75,000.

Daniel Fletcher, head of fundraising development at the Lister, said: "Donations not only help us buy extra equipment but they will also unable us to improve the fabric of the building.

"There are going to be a lot of changes now that acute and emergency services are going to be centralised here. And from a fundraisers' point of view new developments provide an opportunity to raise some additional funds.

"And through Building Blocks we hope to add things to the standard NHS developments to make it a special facility."

Fundraiser Suzanne Roynon added: "We want to be sure that the facilities for children and babies are the best they can be wherever children are treated."

This year the appeal aims to raise funds for specialised oxygen monitors in Children's Accident and Emergency, to make part of Bluebell ward more "teenager friendly" for adolescent patients and for extra equipment in the Special Care Baby Unit.

Nick Carver, chief executive of the Lister, said: "I am delighted that the Comet has chosen the Building Blocks appeal as their charitable cause this year.

"Indeed, the timing couldn't have been better as we prepare to embark on a year of huge development in children's services across the Trust with the aim of providing the best services in the East of England.

"This is the perfect time for the public to get behind the appeal."

Comet editor Darren Isted said: "After such uncertainty over the hospital in the past year, it is great that we can look ahead to a brighter future and throw our weight behind an appeal which I know will have a lot of support.

"It is a sad fact of life that many of us will have either had experience of using these facilities or knows someone who has, and if we can play a part, however small, in improving the service offered then we should back that.

"I would therefore urge all groups out there who are planning any fundraising this year to consider this appeal. The Comet will pledge to promote your fundraising efforts and of course we look forward to showing the fruits of your hard work when the cheques are handed over."

* If anyone is raising money for the Building Blocks appeal and wants their hard work to be acknowledged, contact reporter Joanne Jarvis on 01438 866210 or email: joanne.jarvis@thecomet.net

Alternatively, to make a donation to the appeal send cheques made payable to enhance herts to: Suzanne Roynon, enhance herts, Lister Hospital L50, Stevenage, SG1 4AB.