A CUDDLY koala bear is helping to raise funds for an appeal to help with the diagnosis of bowel problems.

Basildon Hospital’s Scope in Time appeal is aiming to raise £250,000 to pay for extra equipment at the endoscopy department.

Now staff have been given thousands of Nigel the Koala toys to help towards the goal.

The wisecracking koala is a character in Disney’s The Wild movie, which tells the story of a young lion who escapes from a New York zoo to head back to Africa.

The toy Nigel talks and has four catchphrases.

It normally cost £39.99 but Basildon-based toy firm PMS supplied 5,000 of the toys to the appeal, which are being sold for just £10, with £7.50 going towards the appeal.

Fundraising manager Kirsty O’Callaghan said: “So far, Nigel the Koala has been a real hit with staff, patients and visitors.”

The unit recently received £5million from the NHS, but the extra cash will help buy even more equipment.

Nigels can be bought from the reception at Basildon University Hospital or the David Lloyd Centre, at Festival Leisure Park.

To find out more about the appeal, call 0845 1553111 and ask for extension 4198, or e-mail charity@btuh.nhs.uk