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 is 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, BBC Radio Sheffield listeners will be encouraged to support the scanner appeal by giving donations or even running their own fundraising events. They can expect to hear personal stories and features direct from The Children's Hospital. Presenter Rony Robinson will broadcast from the hospital during his 12-3pm show on the launch day, 21st September.

Listeners will hear the voice of 6 year old Grace Sellers 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 Marriott, 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.

Managing Editor at BBC Radio Sheffield Gary Keown 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 BBC 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 on-line where there is more information on how to be part of it and to donate at: www.bbc.co.uk/sheffield