TODAY is the last day that Echo readers can enter the Dorset County Hospital fundraising competition to win top prizes.

Since its launch in March this year more than £325,000 has been raised by people who have been inspired to hold coffee mornings, fun runs and the calendar of events is growing by the day.

In order to purchase and install the vital machine the appeal needs to raise £500,000.

So far a group of friends called the Baldies all shaved their heads in support for their friend Anne-Marie Male who is suffering with breast cancer and raised thousands in the process.

To give the appeal a kick start the Dorset Health Care Trust has donated £150,000 with match funding from the hospital of £150,000.

The appeal needs to raise the remaining £175,000 so that thousands of lives across our county could be saved in the future.

The competition coincides with World Cancer Research Fund’s Cancer Prevention Week which is trying to highlight the 47,600 new cases of breast cancer every year.

To donate £1 to the charity enter the Echo’s competition outlined on this page and answer the simple question.

Chairwoman of the appeal Wendy Nightingale said: “This competition is fantastic because all it takes is simply picking up the phone or send a text and not only will you be donating for a great competition but there’s a chance to win a fantastic prize.”

One of the patrons of the appeal, West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin lost his mother to breast cancer and is urging people to pull together to raise the funds.

He said: “I am particularly keen to see this wonderful initiative flourish. This much needed equipment will also provide much more accurate detection – keeping DCHFT abreast with technological advancements in health care.”

Fellow patron Philippa Clunes said the appeal is also close to her heart and has donated a walk on part on hit TV series Doc Martin as one of the prizes.

“Breast cancer is something that everyone knows about,” she explains.

Lines will close at midnight.

JUST ANSWER THIS QUESTION: How much money does the DCH Digital Mammography Appeal need to raise in total?

• TO ENTER: By phone: Call 0904 0490 adding the three digits under your chosen prize. For example if it was the Downton Abbey prize you would call 0904 0490 125 and follow the instructions.

By Text: Send your text to 80360 starting with the codeword, for example ‘DEDOC’ for Doc Martin, leave a space, followed by your answer, name and contact details.