HE is only five months old - but this little boy has already had a taste of why our Guardian Angels appeal really matters.

Five-month old Thomas Granger, from Elvington, had to be rushed into York Hospital's casualty department this week after he suddenly became poorly.

Mum Sandra, 29, described how her tiny boy had grown listless and clammy, and had to be taken to hospital on Sunday.

Since then, he has been kept in a special room in its children's ward while he is monitored by nurses.

"It's been terrifying," said Sandra. "I haven't slept with just not knowing what's caused this. This wasn't expected at all. They said I did the right thing to bring him in."

Thomas was put on a drip when he went into hospital and doctors carried out tests.

His condition had improved yesterday, but Sandra said she still had no idea what was behind his sudden illness.

But she has now backed our Guardian Angels appeal, which will mean that in the future, children like Thomas can be cared for in a dedicated unit with the right equipment on hand rather than it having to be taken from other patients.

Sandra said nurses looking after her son had been "fantastic", and she hoped to do some fundraising for our appeal when Thomas's hospital nightmare was over.

"I think it will make it so much easier for the staff here to be able to do their job," she said. "They are doing a fantastic job anyway. I've seen how good they are with him. It's certainly an area that needs looking after. At the end of the day, kids are our future."

The Press Guardian Angels appeal is raising £300,000 for a new high-dependency unit on York Hospital's children's ward.

The money will fund two life-saving treatment rooms, which will improve life for the sickest children going into hospital.

It will mean fewer youngsters have to be transferred to Leeds for treatment.

The right monitors and equipment will be on hand in a dedicated room.