One-in-nine children under 16 spend at least one night as a runaway and many are so desperate that they resort to begging, stealing or prostitution to survive.

I feel desperately sad for the thousands of vulnerable children on our streets alone and indanger, who miss out on the joy and innocence that childhood should be.

I hope you share my belief that every child deserves a decent chance in life and through the support of The Children's Society, we can offer comfort and kindness to some of the most disadvantaged young people in our society.

I am seeking to raise an additional £175,000 for the work of The Children's Society to help even more children who urgently need the special support we can give.

That's why I'm launching The Bishop of Leicester 2008 Appeal.

With your help, together we can help children who have no-one else to turn to or who have slipped through the net and just have nowhere else to go.

This Appeal will enable us to do even more for children in our community who urgently need our help.

Making a donation to my 2008 Appeal - whether large or small - is a way that we can make a difference and play a part in the lives of troubled children.

Thank you for any support you can give and God bless you.

Rt Rev'd TJ Stevens Bishop of Leicester Chair of the Trustees