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³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Sheffield and The Children's Hospital, Sheffield are joining together in the hope of making a difference to thousands of children and their families across South Yorkshire.

The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Sheffield Kids' Scanner Appeal wants to raise half-a-million pounds over the next six months to buy a new state-of-the-art CT scanner for The Children's Hospital – part of Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust.

The hospital's current scanner, now over seven years old, is used more than 1,600 times a year and is in need of replacement.

The appeal was launched today on Bigger At Breakfast With Toby Foster.

Toby says: "The Children's Hospital is an amazing place. As a dad, it's great to know that if my kids do ever need hospital treatment that I have the very best on my doorstep.

"I'm delighted we are taking on this appeal and I know our listeners will get behind it."

Over the course of the next six months, Radio Sheffield listeners will be encouraged to support the scanner appeal by giving donations or even running their own fund-raising events.

They can expect to hear personal stories and features direct from The Childrens' Hospital.

Presenter Rony Robinson will broadcast from the hospital during his noon to 3.00pm show on the launch day (Monday 21 September).

Listeners will hear the voice of six-year-old Grace from Doncaster, who has kidney cancer and has been treated by the hospital for the last year.

Grace has been incredibly brave during chemotherapy treatment for her illness. Her proud parents say she rarely complains and never thinks of herself as unwell. Despite operations and radiotherapy to remove her tumour and kidney, Grace continues to make her family laugh.

Also featured is George, 10, from Chesterfield.

George has a benign brain tumour and has undergone a number of surgical procedures. He's remained positive throughout his treatment and, after hearing about the fantastic work done by the hospital charity, George has helped raise funds so doctors can treat more children like him.

Gary Keown, Managing Editor, Radio Sheffield, says: "Our listeners have shown in recent years how much they want to get involved in helping good causes in their community and we believe they'll really embrace this campaign.

"This cause will strike a chord with many of our listeners who will know people who have benefitted from the hospital's good work."

Because of the developments in technology a new scanner will provide images of the body faster than the current scanner, with even lower doses of radiation.

The 3D-images produced by the new scanner will also be clearer and will provide more information for doctors to aid potentially life-saving diagnosis and treatment.

David Vernon-Edwards, Director of The Children's Hospital Charity, said: "We are delighted to be teaming up with ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Sheffield to launch an appeal for this life-saving piece of equipment.

"The Children's Hospital is currently the best performing children's NHS trust in the country and we want the trust to continue to be at the forefront of paediatric care, using the best equipment possible.

"We hope listeners will get behind our appeal so our young patients can benefit from the latest in scanner technology as soon as possible."

You can also follow the campaign online, where there is more information on how to be part of it and how to donate, at bbc.co.uk/sheffield.

RF