A YORK heart attack victim is appealing for teams to play in a charity golf tournament to say "thank you" to the cycling paramedic who saved his life.

Richard Hunter, of Navigation Road, York, collapsed at his home last January after suffering his third heart attack.

After Mr Hunter's wife, Catherine, dialled 999, Life-Cycle Paramedic Mark Inman arrived at the scene on his custom-built mountain bike, in less than one minute. He then stabilised his 56-year-old patient before an ambulance arrived to take him to York District Hospital, where he made a good recovery.

Now Mr Hunter wants to show his gratitude to the Life-Cycle project by organising a golf tournament at Heworth Golf Club, on July 25.

Mr Hunter said: "It's just my way of saying 'thank you' to Mark for saving my life.

"He is such a wonderful guy and I have the highest admiration for him."

Thirty teams of four are needed to take part, at a cost of £25 per head. A prize of a Renault car will be given to anyone who gets a hole-in-one.

A fundraising evening will follow, with music from local band Six Appeal, a charity auction and buffet. Players from York City Football Club and Minster FM DJ James Watt will also make an appearance.

Since Life-Cycle was launched, Mr Inman has attended about 1,500 emergency calls, arriving first on the scene virtually 100 per cent of the time.

Mr Inman said: "I really appreciate that Mr Hunter is putting in a tremendous amount of effort to organise such a large and prestigious event for which we are extremely grateful.

"It's always nice to meet people after we have been involved with them in emergency situations and develop friendships."

All proceeds will be donated to the Life-Cycle project, which is run by Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service. To take part or support the event, phone Mr Hunter on 01904 638236.

Updated: 09:54 Monday, June 02, 2003