Starship Foundation yesterday announced the identity of a generous donor behind an extraordinary $3 million donation to launch the Starship Radiology MRI Service.

The recently knighted Sir Graeme Douglas and his wife Lady Ngaire Douglas have given the largest ever personal donation to the national children's hospital.

"It gives us great pleasure to ensure Starship Hospital has its own MRI facility to avoid the delays and discomfort currently experienced by young patients," says Sir Graeme.

Previously children needing an MRI scan had to be transported under sedation, with their families and teams of medical specialists, into the adult services facility - an often intimidating and frightening experience, particularly for young patients.

Having an MRI machine within Starship will mean New Zealand's children will now be able to be treated within the familiar and child-friendly environment that is unique to Starship. The Starship dedicated MRI machine will cater for around 2,000 children each year.

Sir Graeme has been in the pharmaceutical business for more than 40 years and his recent knighthood was, in part, to honour his commitment to philanthropic causes. Children's healthcare is something that has always been very close to his heart.

The donation has meant the new Starship Radiology MRI Service will start seeing patients this month.

"A donation of this size is unprecedented in our charity's 18 year history" says Starship Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Young. "We're so grateful and overwhelmed by Sir Graeme's and Lady Ngaire's generosity as charitable gifts at this level are almost unheard of in New Zealand. They are extraordinary and humble people with enormous vision and passion for New Zealand's children."