AN ARTIST from York has been nominated in the Charity Fundraiser Of The Year category of the 2011 Community Pride Awards.

Estee Roberts, 23, of Huntington, was nominated by her friend, Naomi Smith, for her work raising money for York Hospital’s Critical Care Unit.

Naomi said: “Estee raised £500 in one day for the CCU at York Hospital through selling original Valentine-themed artwork from her gallery. She designed her artwork especially for its heart association, as her father was treated in the CCU over Valentine’s Day a few years ago, and the fathers of two of her best friends have also been treated there recently.”

Estee has also donated one of her paintings to be displayed at the unit’s family room, and was shown examples of the lifesaving equipment her donation could buy by staff from the unit.

Estee, who also owns the Artestee Gallery and Café in Goodramgate, said she was shocked by the nomination, and had planned further auctions and sales this year to raise funds for the unit.

She said: “I’m quite shocked to be nominated, but it’s brilliant.

“My father suffered two heart attacks, and I wanted to do something to give something back for all their hard work with my dad and all their patients.

“It happened around Valentine’s Day, so selling paintings with a heart theme seemed to fit in really well.”

All nominees must live or be based in the City of York Council tax area, and the winners will be invited to a special awards ceremony in October.

Nominations can be submitted online before Friday, July 22.