As many of your readers will know, I retired as fund-raising manager of the Weston Super Kids Appeal at the end of February. It was always intended

As many of your readers will know, I retired as fund-raising manager of the Weston Super Kids Appeal at the end of February. It was always intended I should leave when the new children's ward was opened. I am delighted to say that the Seashore Centre (which the children's ward is called) opened for patients approximately three weeks ago. Everybody who has seen the centre says what a superb facility it is and very child friendly. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the clubs, pubs, churches, businesses, charitable organisations and members of the public who have supported us and enabled Weston hospital to open the ward approximately 15 months after the launch of the appeal. I would like to thank Linda Skinner, chair of Weston Area Health Trust; Mark Gritten, chief executive; Dr Tricia Woodhead, medical director and Kath Roberts, children's and young people services manger, for their help and support. I would like to draw to your readers' attention a couple of facts concerning Weston Area Health Trust. It has been in the top 40 hospitals for the last two years and, in fact, last year it was in the top three. The independent panel who judge hospitals do not rank them by number so the hospital is never sure at what position they really are. Also, the hospital produced its services at approximately 14 per cent cheaper than the national average. Were it not for its debt it would be highly rated in the star rating system which has now been discontinued by the Government. The hospital still needs to raise approximately £200k to finalise the appeal and I urge you all to continue with your support. It is hoped that further monies will be forthcoming from the Primary Care Trust and you could all lobby them for this. I cannot close without thanking Clare Hayes, news editor, and her news team at the Weston & Somerset Mercury for all the coverage and support they have given me. Your readers will read on page nine of this paper of one employee's efforts to raise money for the appeal. Finally, I would especially like to thank two ladies without whose help I could not have achieved what I have, they are Judi Kisiel, editor of the Mercury, and Michelle Michael, of AGM Holdings. Ladies it has been a pleasure knowing and working with you. Thank you all, once again.TOM BAKER - Church Stanton