Thanks and merry Christmas to kind readers

In the last 18 months, the three city Lions Clubs, Derwent, Minster and York, have collaborated with the Norman Collinson Trust and the Friends of York District Hospital to buy a portable retinal camera for the Ophthalmic Department at the Hospital. This important piece of equipment is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of eye related diseases, especially in young children.

Recently, as a result of donations, York Lions was able to buy one of the 12 heart monitors as part of the Evening Press Jamie's Have A Heart Appeal.

Your generosity is much appreciated, and not misplaced. Thank you.

Christmas greetings and good wishes for a peaceful New Year from all Lions.

James Rayne

President, York Lions Club

Princess Road,

Strensall,

York.

...I MUST thank your readers for their continued financial support of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

At a time when so many good causes need donations, it is heartening that your readers have continued to remember those children at risk of harm. Thanks to them, and the many other organisations and agencies in the area, who have joined with the NSPCC to put a 'Full Stop' to child cruelty, many new preventative services are now in place to make the lives of young children safer.

Much more still needs to be done, however, not only by looking out for every child in our neighbourhood, but in supporting vulnerable parents and families through the NSPCC services.

On behalf of the children who benefit from your readers' financial support - a big thank you.

Ken Ridley,

Community Appeals Manager,

NSPCC,

Osbaldwick Lane,

York.

...ON behalf of the residents here, I would like to thank the pupils of Carr Lane School. Thank you very much for the parcels of groceries, it was very thoughtful of you all.

We hope that you have a very good Christmas. Bless you all.

Bruce Laird,

Saddle Brook Court,

Herman Walk,

Acomb,

York.

...THE staff and I at Oxfam, Goodramgate, would like to say a very big thank you to the ladies who organised a school clothes' collection in aid of Oxfam recently. Donations like this help to generate much needed funds as we work with others to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering.

Many thanks to all who contributed towards the collection.

Jonty Davies,

Manager,

Oxfam Gift Shop,

Goodramgate,

York.

...HOME-START York, the organisation which offers support and help to young families, would like to take the opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to all who have supported the work of the scheme over the last, busy year.

The work of Home-Start York can only be sustained by the commitment of so many people who give of their time both professionally and through volunteering. We send out very best wishes for the coming year, most especially to our volunteers.

If any of your readers are interested to know more about this worthwhile and rewarding scheme and for information about our training course, please contact Home-Start York at the address below, or telephone 01904 621204.

Gail Tams, Celia Harris,

Organisers,

Community House,

Priory Street,

York.

...I'D like to express my appreciation to everyone who supported us in our recent 'Sponsored Stay' in Helmsley Market Place. Fortunately, the weather was kind to us and the dogs were able to maintain their 30 minutes' stay without moving and with me out of sight.

Proceeds were donated to The Blue Cross who were in attendance to ensure fair play! Thanks to everyone's efforts we raised in excess of £300.

Mary Griffiths,

Rye Boarding Kennels,

Hawnby,

York.

...I WOULD like to thank all the people who came to my assistance when I fell down and broke my wrist on Friday, December 14, in Goodramgate. Because of their kindness an ambulance was soon with me and after spending two nights in hospital, I am now back home.

Gwen Greenheld,

Back Lane,

Bilbrough, York.

Updated: 09:43 Monday, December 24, 2001