Red Nose Day appeal to raise money for medical research for vulnerable children

The annual Red Nose appeal kicks off today as Cure Kids aims to raise money for vital medical research.

Red Nose Day is on November 18, and for the entire month Cure Kids will be selling red noses in order to raise money to help extremely vulnerable children.

Eva Mitchell, 9, has gastrointestinal failure and is battling superbug MRSA.

Her mum Tiff told the Herald the Red Nose appeal had made a huge difference to her daughter's life.

"It's pretty massive, I don't know if it's even easy to put into words really. As a parent it gives you hope."

Last year Cure Kids raised $2.47 million for child health research, and Cure Kids spokeswoman Saraid Black said they hoped to top that mark this year.

She said close to 1000 schools and 400 businesses had signed up to support the appeal, and Eva had spent time with heroes from the All Blacks and Black Ferns in the lead up to Red Nose Day.

Tiff Mitchell said Red Nose Day put an element of fun into what could be an extremely tough time for families with sick children.

"Unless it's impacting your child directly it's not that interesting, but as soon as someone puts a red nose on it's fun while fundraising."

Donations can be made online through Rednoseday.co.nz, by texting NOSE to 933, or at participating retailers around New Zealand including Briscoes which this year will be stocking red noses in four novelty designs.