York City Football Club have given their backing to Jamie's Have a Heart Appeal - by donating a fully-autographed football to the fund.

The ball - an ideal Christmas present for City fans - will now be sold to the highest bidder.

Handing the ball to Jamie's dad, Keith, city boss Terry Dolan wished the appeal well as its £7,500 target draws nearer.

Terry said: "All the staff and players at York City Football Club are very pleased to give their full support to Jamie's Have a Heart Appeal.

"This is an appeal which really could change the lives of people living in York, so please keep the donations coming so we can get the portable heart monitors into use as soon as possible."

The appeal, which now stands at £6,000, was launched in memory of 14-year-old Jamie Bucknell, who died at Huntington School on November 12.

The appeal is trying to raise £7,500 to buy 12 portable heart monitors for York District Hospital. The monitors can be taken home by a patient suffering with a heart irregularity and can be used to record vital information, which doctors use to assess the condition of heart patients.

Anyone wanting to buy the ball should make a minimum bid of £50 to reporter Matthew Woodcock or health reporter Emma Harrison by 5pm on Wednesday, December 19.

Whoever has made the largest bid by then gets the ball. Phone 01904 653051 to bid.

A second set of less famous, but equally generous footballers are doing their bit for the appeal.

The players at Strensall FC, where Keith Bucknell is manager, are staging a fun run for the appeal.

If you are organising any fundraising activities contact Emma Harrison, Health Reporter using the link above, or Richard Edwards in the Evening Press newsroom, tel 01904 653051. You can also email richard.edwards@ycp.co.uk.

Donations should be sent to either reporter and will be paid into a special bank account set up for the appeal. Cheques should be made out to Jamie's Have a Heart Appeal.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, December 17, 2001