We have launched an ambitious appeal to raise £1 million to buy a much-needed second CT scanner for our Trust.

Why is it so urgent? Well, medical imaging plays a vital role in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of patients and is key to rapid treatment in emergency situations. Our doctors and other health professionals at the Trust tell us CT scanning is vital in the prevention, detection and treatment of many illnesses and diseases.

Through this Appeal we aim to significantly improve the experience for local people who have a wide range of conditions. We know medical imaging can be the difference between prompt treatment and unnecessary delay; we already have a CT scanner, which is in constant use, and need a second modern and more up to date machine to cope with the growing health needs of the people we serve.

You might wonder why we have chosen a jigsaw piece as the Appeal badge? Well, we know that trying to raise a £1 million in these challenging times is going to be difficult. But we thought that perhaps by us all making a small donation - by us all buying just one piece of jigsaw that we can add all those £2 donations together so that soon we might, just might, be able to complete our ambition piece by piece, and get our Trust this much needed machine.

We have launched in partnership and with the full support of the Tameside Reporter, Tameside Radio and the Glossop Chronicle. They are helping us reach out to the local community to schools, pubs, churches, companies and charities and already many have promised their help.