A COUPLE who raise money for a charity researching cot death syndrome have been given a special donation - courtesy of Harrod's boss Mohammed Al Fayed.

Phil and Kath Burton, who live off Haxby Road, York, began a family fundraising campaign following the death of their seven-and-a-half month old daughter, Julia, in 1978.

The couple, who have two other grown-up daughters, were determined to help find a cause for the mystery syndrome to prevent other families going through the same agony.

Kath wrote to the enigmatic billionaire to ask him if he would donate a Harrods teddy for a tombola she is staging later this year.

The Al Fayed Charitable Foundation wrote back on his behalf saying they could help and have now sent them a large fluffy bear.

"It's really exciting," said Kath.

"By amazing coincidence we were actually in London looking round Harrods when the teddy arrived at home.

"I think Mr Al Fayed is a wonderful man.

"The teddy should raise a lot of money at our tombola at the Fulford Show in August.

"It would be nice if stores in York followed suit."

Over the past 24 years, the Burton family has raised more than £6,000 for cot death research charity, The Foundation for the Study of Infant Death.

Anyone who wishes to donate soft toys or bric-a-brac can drop them at the Burton's off licence in 29, Fountayne Street, off Haxby Road, or contact Kath on 01904 620264.

Updated: 11:29 Saturday, February 09, 2002