THE Evening Press today proudly launches a campaign that could change the lives of many York people - in tribute to a young lad who was "simply the best".

Our Jamie's Have A Heart Appeal campaign is in memory of Jamie Bucknell, the 14-year-old Huntington School pupil who collapsed and died in school on November 12.

In a moving address at Jamie's funeral last week, his father Keith said his son was "number one, simply the best".

It emerged that a heart attack, caused by an undetected problem, had been the cause of Jamie's death.

So we hope to raise £7,500 to pay for 12 new cardiac event monitors, or portable heart monitors, to help with the treatment of local people.

The small monitors can be taken home by people experiencing heart problems and can be placed on the chest to record data that can be downloaded at the hospital to assess the condition.

Keith Bucknell and his wife, Debbie, of Strensall, today gave the campaign their full backing and started off the fund with a £500 donation.

Keith said: "We are both very pleased to support the Evening Press Have a Heart for Jamie Campaign. We think it is a great idea, as we just feel we want to do whatever we can to help other people who might be suffering in the same way Jamie was. If these portable heart monitors are useful and can help someone in any way at all then we are all for that."

Huntington School head teacher Chris Bridge also gave the appeal his full backing. He said: "Huntington School would wish to fully support this fund. Last week we held a major fundraising event from which we are planning to make a sizeable contribution."

Jane Allen, head of the cardio-respiratory department at YDH, said the monitors would replace six 15-year-old monitors. "These new monitors will make a huge difference to the lives of people with heart conditions and have a huge impact on the department."

George Wood, deputy chief executive of the York Health Services NHS Trust, added: "The appeal in Jamie's memory is a wonderful gesture and a fitting tribute to him."

If you are organising any fundraising activities contact Emma Harrison, health reporter, or Richard Edwards in the Evening Press newsroom on 01904 653051. Or e-mail on emma.harrison@ycp.co.uk or richard.edwards@ycp.co.uk.

Donations should be sent to either reporter at 76-86 Walmgate, York, to 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: 15:26 Thursday, November 29, 2001