Race night in aid of Guardian Angels appeal

Natalie Strickson, of Haxby, died suddenly in November 2005. She had suffered from a rare heart condition all her life.

Her friends and family have thrown themselves behind our Guardian Angels appeal to raise money for a new high-dependency children's unit at York Hospital - where Natalie spent much of her own childhood.

Last year, they organised a race night which raised more than £3,000 for our appeal. In total, more than £4,100 has been raised in Natalie's memory.

Now her close friends and family are organising a second race night in aid of Guardian Angels - and they are urging The Press readers to come along.

Natalie's mum, Jasmine, said the last race of the night would be held in memory of her daughter.

She said: "She loved children, she worked with children as well in a nursery, she liked doing things with children. We're dedicating the last race in Natalie's memory, which we did last year."

This year's race night is being held at the Lysander Arms, in Rawcliffe, on May 4.

Organiser Martin Lyon, a friend of Natalie's boyfriend, Adam Jenkins, said support from companies had been "even more amazing than last year".

Those who go along will get a chance to bet on horses on a pre-run race, which will be played on a big screen.

There will also be an auction on the night. Prizes include a weekend in the Lake District donated by Best Western Hotels; signed Manchester United and Newcastle United football shirts; a signed Leeds Rhinos rugby match ball, and meals for two at several restaurants including Maxi's and The Living Room. There will also be a "seal or no seal" event, based on Channel 4's popular Deal Or No Deal.

Martin said: "It's a way of supporting a local charity and having a good night out."

The event is being held at 7.30pm. Anyone who wants to go along is invited just to turn up on the door - but are advised to get there early to avoid disappointment. Anyone who has any queries, or who would like to place a sealed bid for any of the prizes, should phone Martin Lyon on 07736 469672.

The Press Guardian Angels appeal aims to raise £300,000 to buy the new children's unit.

It will mean many more youngsters can be treated in York rather than having to be transferred further afield.