THIS morning we remind readers of 11-year-old Daniel So, who made history as Hong Kong's first successful unrelated bone marrow transplant recipient. Today, he is fully recovered and living life to the full. He wants his example to give hope and encouragement to other children spending Christmas in hospital waiting for the chance of a recovery like his.

His cure would not have been possible without the Hong Kong Marrow Match Foundation and the skill and dedication of the staff and helpers at the Bone Marrow Unit of Queen Mary Hospital. This year Operation Santa Claus, organised by RTHK and the South China Morning Post, is appealing for $5 million to help find donors and fund transplants at the Queen Mary and the Prince of Wales hospitals for children like Daniel.

So far most donations have come from individuals. But now is the point in the season when the Christmas spirit traditionally begins to percolate out of the home and into the boardroom. So until December 31, we appeal to companies to give generously.