One final push - that's all we need to try and retain maternity services at Maidstone Hospital.

And just 20p is all it will take.

The hard-fought battle to save women's and children's services at the Hermitage Lane hospital was dealt a blow in December when Health Secretary Andrew Lansley ruled that the move to Pembury hospital could go ahead.

Capacity has already been reached at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Medway Maritime has had to meet an increase in demand, and Pembury has advised mums-to-be not to alter birth plans because it has reached full capacity.

Imagine the situation if they move Maidstone's maternity unit to Pembury.

Legal experts believe the government has a case to answer and a judicial review could be forced, which is seen as the last chance to save services.

Although the fees could amount to some £30,000, if 20p was donated for every man, woman and child living in the Maidstone borough, sufficient funds could be raised.

Should enough money be found, and a review is successful, it would mean that maternity services and inpatient children's services could stay at Maidstone Hospital, instead of moving 16 miles away to Pembury.

Every baby born in Maidstone deserves the best start in life - and that will be provided by having a fully-equipped, fully-staffed maternity unit at Maidstone Hospital.

Send your donation to our Birth Right appeal. Just 20p for every man, woman and child in the borough is all it needs to help secure funding for a judicial review.

Send donations by post or in person to: Birth Right Appeal, Kent Messenger, 6 & 7 Middle Row, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1TG. If sending cheques, the minimum value is £5. Please make them payable to KM Group.

Alternatively, follow this link to see other payment methods.

In the event of the £30,000 target not being met, The KM will donate all proceeds to a registered charity.