OUR Guardian Angels appeal has nearly reached a major milestone, as we approach the half-way mark.

We are aiming to raise £300,000 to pay for a new high dependency unit at York Hospital's children's ward.

Thanks to donations of nearly £2,000 which have flooded into our coffers this week, the total amount of cash we have raised now stands at £143,259.47 - just over £6,000 under the half way mark of £150,000.

"Big Ian" Donaghy, organiser of the highly successful The Deep End event at York's Grand Opera House, has sent in the first £1,550 raised for our appeal from the event.

A further £3,200 is still to come, which will push our appeal total up to more than £146,000.

Also this week, we have received £100 from the York and District Table Tennis Association, which donated the profit from a raffle held at its annual awards evening.

More cash has been made through a payroll giving scheme at York Hospital, while mourners at a funeral donated a further £85.

One Walmgate couple gave money in memory of their mothers, while Clifton Moor optical networking company Adva sent in a further £200 - part of the proceeds they raised after taking part in last year's Dragon Boat Race on the Ouse.

Press assistant editor Francine Clee said: "It's great that we're nearly at that all important half way mark. It can't be said too often that we're very grateful to all our readers who have worked so hard to make our appeal such a success.

"The fact that we are nearly at £150,000 is a real testament to all the efforts of readers who have devoted their time and energy to raising money for this very important cause. The money we raise really will make a huge difference to the facilities York Hospital can offer to its very youngest patients. Thank you."

The high dependency unit we are raising money for will mean many more children can be treated in York rather than having to be transferred further afield, to cities like Leeds.

It will fund two life-saving high dependency rooms with new, specialised equipment. Children would have immediate access to the right treatment instead of waiting for ventilators and monitors to be taken from other patients.

The youngsters who arrive in the unit could be suffering from illnesses including meningitis, septicemia, breathing difficulties, viral chest infections, obstructions of the voice box, severe asthma, bronchiolitis, convulsions or coma and physical injury.

A specialist nurse will care solely for these high-dependency children and other staff will be trained to get the most out of the improvements.