BIRMINGHAM Mail Our Say.

THERE can be no more pitiful sight than that of a child suffering.

It matters not a jot if the suffering is caused by war, poverty or the evil or inadequacy of those meant to be caring for the child. It matters not at all if the child is in this country or far away. Only the hardest heart remains unmoved by such scenes.

Youngsters do not bring suffering on themselves, but fall victim to it. They are on this Earth to be nurtured and cherished. All too often, though, that does not happen.

So today, with the annual Children in Need appeal under way, dip deep into your pockets and donate generously.

Year after year the people of the West Midlands do just that.

But with the economic downturn biting many in this region, there is less money to splash about this November.

However, think of those in genuine need and give what you can - a few pence or many pounds.

It is a great cause and we would be failing in our duty as human beings if we did not support it as best we can.

ONE man always ready to embrace a good cause is Prince Charles.

Sometimes he may amuse us with his bumbling manners. Sometimes he may infuriate us when we disagree with his robustly expressed views. But there is no doubting that he is a man who cares.

As heir to the throne, Prince Charles could live an undemanding life punctuated with a few public engagements.

Instead he has busied himself with issues that are important to him and has found ways to help those considerably less fortunate - such as the Prince's Trust, which helps disadvantaged young people move their lives forward. As he celebrates his 60th birthday, let us raise a glass to a man who tries hard to make a difference to the world around him.