THE tireless efforts of Brummies, celebrities and even Dragon’s Den entrepreneurs has seen the Kidney Kids Appeal’s £1.5 million target reached in just 16 months.

Fund-raising activities by families across the Midlands has made it all worthwhile after BBC WM announced it had raised £1,507,106 towards a new renal unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Work on the new unit is already underway and is set to open its doors early in the New Year.

Hospital chief executive Sarah Jane Marsh said: “We are thrilled the Kidney Kids Appeal has reached its target.

“I would like to thank everyone at BBC WM and all the listeners who have worked so hard to help us reach this fantastic figure.

“It is an incredible achievement particularly during challenging economic times.”