FINALISTS in this year’s Miss York contest are raising money for a York Hospital ward, in memory of a former finalist who lost her battle against cystic fibrosis.
Emma Young, of Pickering, who was treated on Ward 34 at the hospital, died aged 22 in 2009, while she was on the waiting list for a double lung transplant.
Naomi Smith, organiser of the Miss York contest, the final of which takes place on May 22 at the Royal York Hotel, said that each year it raised money for a charity, and ward 34 had been chosen this year because Emma had been treated there.
“We all think it is really important to keep Emma Young’s name strong,” said Naomi, speaking during Cystic Fibrosis Week.
“It will also give the girls the extra push to raise money, as Emma was just 22 when she passed away, a similar age to many of the contestants.’’ Rebecca Thomas, a consultant physician at the hospital, said: “On behalf of all of us on ward 34 and in the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) team here at York, I would like to say that we are thrilled that Miss York has nominated us for fundraising this year and that this is in memory of Emma Young.
“Being chosen for this means so much to us, not just because of what the money will do for the ward but also because we know how happy it would have made Emma.
“Emma was a wonderful woman who was always a pleasure to know and care for. She meant a lot to us all and is missed by all the staff here. Emma’s friends and family have also worked extremely hard to raise a significant amount of money for equipment on the ward.
“Any money raised from the Miss York entrants will be used for the ongoing improvement of facilities for CF patients on ward 34. It is such a tragedy that donor lungs did not become available in time for Emma to receive a transplant.”
Lovely tribute
EMMA Young was a brave and beautiful young woman who died tragically early, aged 22, in 2009. She battled cystic fibrosis, but never let that spoil her enjoyment of life – and even made it through to the finals of Miss York.
Now Miss York organiser Naomi Smith has announced that money raised for charity by the event will this year go to Ward 34 at York Hospital, where Emma was treated. A lovely gesture – and the perfect way to remember Emma.
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