Taking place from the May 4-10, the week is the one time each year when thousands of Red Cross volunteers and supporters give their time to organise events, shake donation buckets at their local supermarket or carry out door-to-door collections on their street.

Lanarkshire Red Cross fundraiser Louise Irvine said: "Red Cross Appeal Week raises vital funds for the work of the Red Cross at home and abroad – from helping people rebuild their lives after Cyclone Sidr devastated Bangladesh in November to lending a wheelchair to someone in Scotland so they can be discharged from hospital sooner.

"We rely on public donations to carry out this important work so please dig deep, click online or visit one of our shops – your donation will save lives."

Last year, £5,944 was raised in Lanarkshire, which allowed the Red Cross to run a peer education project with young people from the Bellshill and Mossend YMCA.

Louise said: "During Red Cross Appeal Week people in Lanarkshire were incredibly generous and our fantastic volunteers held street and house collections. We couldn't do it without them, but the more people we have taking part, the more money we can raise – and the more work we can do next year."

For more information on fundraising call Louise on 0141 891 4044 or email lirvine@redcross.org.uk or visit www.redcross.org.uk/appealweek