GOLFERS have given the York hospice appeal's final countdown a powerful drive forward this week with the presentation of more than £9,000.

The money was raised recently at the St Leonard's Hospice Golf Tournament at Fulford Golf Course.

It brings the total donated by the annual tournaments during the period of the appeal to £30,257, and the amount contributed to the hospice over the last 21 years of the tournaments to more than £110,000.

Members of the organising committee came to the hospice to see the progress on the new patient annexe. They presented their cheque for £9,569 to Steven Harker, chief executive.

He said: "This is a very welcome boost to our appeal as we approach the final target of £2 million.

"We are indebted to the club and the organisers of the tournament for their ongoing and loyal support. It really is a magnificent achievement to have raised so much."

The tournament, held last month, attracted 168 players from the Fulford Club and other golf clubs. A raffle held on the day raised £838, and the programme and the tournament were supported by more than 40 sponsors.

Ted Kendall, chairman of the St Leonard's Tournament Committee said: "The tournament is always a most enjoyable day for those taking part and we are delighted to be able to contribute to the work of the hospice in this way.

"The increased capacity of the re-development will fulfil such an essential need in the local community."

Northfield School in Beckfield Lane, Acomb, was one of the many schools that burst into yellow on Yellow Day.

Not content with just wearing yellow the pupils, aged between five and 16, also took part in sponsored swims and collected coins to cover giant letters spelling out the message: Help the Hospice. A group of 17 students with mobility problems each completed ten laps of the school playground to earn a special certificate.

Donations towards the final countdown can be sent to the St Leonard's fundraising office at 14 York Road, Acomb, York, YO24 4LU, or dropped off in an envelope marked for the attention of Emma Harrison, St Leonard's Hospice 2000 Appeal, at the front desk of the Evening Press in Walmgate, York.

Or you can call in at one of the hospice shops, which are in Fourth Avenue in Tang Hall, The Village in Haxby, Waterloo Lane in Pocklington, and the York Road shop in Acomb.

If you are organising or taking part in any activities in the coming weeks to raise money for the appeal contact Emma Harrison in the Evening Press newsroom on 01904 653051 ext 314, or email her at emma.harrison@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 10:40 Saturday, June 23, 2001