Artists, entertainers and medical professionals will unite to raise $405,000 for local medical charities during next week's Heroes for Health Telethon.

The Bermuda Health Alliance will host the ZBM television event for several charities to buy medical equipment that would otherwise be difficult for the individual organisation to acquire.

Several companies have also joined in the movement by donating prizes and supplies that aid the telethon -- awards and raffle prizes will be given to callers.

Bermuda Health Alliance is an umbrella association that raises money for its members -- the Bermuda Heart Foundation, Bermuda Diabetes, Open Airways, Resident Family Council, and the Hospitals Board.

During the telethon, each organisation has drawn up specific goals and purposes for funds derived from the public.

Heart Foundation is aiming for $60,000 -- a year's pay for a cardiac rehabilitation specialist to assist patients with the transition from a medical, institutional setting back to home life.

Open Airways hopes for $55,000 -- to raise awareness and education about asthma and its treatment.

The Resident Family Council aims for $40,000 to be spent for lifting devices for the elderly and infirm.

It's understood that nurses have back problems from moving patients around the hospital and lifting devices will enable greater versatility in applying human resources.

The Hospitals Board hope to raise $105,000 for a bone densitometre -- a device that measures bone density to determine potential fractures and will assist in the treatment of other bone ailments.

Other people are taking part in the telethon, like the project's lead artist Rhona Emmerson.

Mrs. Emmerson guided the creation of the new mural next to Spurling Hill stop lights on Reid Street -- across from Island Trading.

Mrs. Emmerson and volunteers painted the landscape mural four weeks ago.

"It was great. People were stopping and asking questions. We talked about the mural,'' said Mrs. Emmerson.

It's hoped companies will "buy into'' the mural -- purchasing painted wooden figures of birds, lizards and flora that will be secured to the painting and add a three-dimensional element to the mural.

Companies and individuals are encouraged to assist the medical organisations via the BHA.

Funds can be donated by Internet at the Bermuda Health Alliance web site donated by North Rock Communications at www.bha.bm.

Paints for the new Reid Street mural were provided by Pembroke Paint.