THREE charities will be given a major boost during three days of fundraising at a York hotel.

The York Marriott in Tadcaster Road is aiming to help the Variety Club, Marie Curie and Cancer Research UK with a special charity weekend running from June 17 to 19.

The fundraising drive starts next Friday with a Midsummer Ball to raise money for the Variety Club.

The event is being organised by the York Marriott with the support of flower display company Dodsworth Ltd, and will be attended by more than 100 people.

The following evening, Marie Curie is hosting an event with tombola and raffle prizes at the Marriott, again with more than 100 people attending.

On the Sunday, the hotel has teamed up with Cancer Research UK and the organisers of the Race for Life, which is taking place that day at York Racecourse next to the hotel. Staff from the hotel will be dusting off their trainers on the morning to run in the race and the Marriott will also be hosting a family fun day and barbecue in the grounds.

The hotel will be open to all to help raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK during the event, which will run from 11am to 5pm.

“There will be a barbecue, bouncy castle, balloons and face painting, perfect activities to have an excellent day out,” said a spokesman. “What better way to celebrate finishing Race for Life or giving your dad a special Father’s Day!”

The hotel’s general manager Katharina Barenthien said it had always been very keen to support charities and she felt the weekend was a great opportunity to ‘make a difference for three really good causes.’ She said: “The Race for Life also gives our team a brilliant opportunity to both participate in a very special event as well as raise much needed funds.”