Walkers from two York pubs gave our Hospice 2000 appeal a big boost - and raised the spirits of a bereaved relative in the process.

More than 50 people raised a remarkable £3,000 when they took part in the first Merlins and McMillans Walk for York.

They were so successful that the event is set to become an annual fixture.

One of the walkers on the day, whose father died in the hospice and whose mother also died of cancer, wrote to organiser Dave Sear after the event and said: "It made me believe in people again when I saw all those people who gave up their weekend to raise money, and some of them were obviously like me, an unseasoned walker !

"But it did my heart good to see that some people care enough to give their time to this wonderful place."

Dave, Merlin's office manager, said: "We know how important the Hospice Appeal is and we wanted to help St Leonard's to reach its target.

"We had a great day. We hope to get even more of our regulars taking part next time!"

McMillan directors Russell Brown and Nip Judson, as corporate patrons of the Hospice, decided the proceeds of the first walk should be given to their favourite good cause.

They were joined on the 10.5- mile round trip by members of staff, customers and business associates.

Janet Morley, fundraising manager for the hospice, said she wanted to thank everyone who helped make the walk a success.

"Thanks to the wonderful support we are receiving we are now three-quarters of the way to reaching our fundraising goal and the building work progresses each week."