THE DUCHESS of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has personally backed the Oxford Mail and the Oxford Children's Hospital's campaign to raise £2m in its 10th anniversary year.

Kensington Palace released a statement of support signed by the Duchess to mark the children's hospital's 10th anniversary, in which she praised fundraisers across Oxfordshire and the 'tireless' work of hospital staff.

Almost a decade after the Queen officially opened the hospital, the new generation of the Royal Family has now backed its appeal to raise £2m.

In a personal message of support for the campaign, she said: "It is wonderful to hear of the inspiring ways in which charitable donations have helped young patients and their families at the Oxford Children's Hospital over the past decade.

"So many areas of hospital life have been touched by the generosity of those donating to the hospital's charity.

"It is the efforts and dedication of these individuals, groups and organisations, in conjunction with the tireless work of committed hospital staff, that makes this 10th Anniversary celebration so very special."

The Duchess has taken on a considerable amount of charitable work in recent years setting up the The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in 2011.

The foundation focusses mainly on young people, the armed forces and conservation and she has become the Royal Patron of a number of charities.

Her message continued: "I would like to congratulate the Oxford Children's Hospital on this important milestone and lend my wholehearted support to a new appeal launched by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds.

"I wish this appeal every success in raising funds so that babies, children, teenagers and their families can continue to be looked after in as comfortable and happy an environment as possible, with the very best equipment, during what is inevitably a challenging and anxious time for all."

Lady Pippa Baldry, chairwoman of the appeal and of the hospital's benefactor board said the Duchess' message would be well-received by families and staff.

She said: "We are thrilled to receive such special words of support from the Duchess of Cambridge which will mean so much to the staff and families at the Oxford Children’s Hospital.

"We really hope our wonderful local community will also rally behind this important appeal.

"Please do consider how you, your friends, business, workplace, school or club can get involved and help us celebrate ten years of the Oxford Children’s Hospital by raising £2 million and making it an even better place for our young patients and their families."