Charity pantomime aims to raise money for heart unit legal battle (From York Press)

Charity pantomime aims to raise money for children’s heart unit legal battle

7:56am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

Nick Boardman, outside the Guildhall, with a poster for the pantomime he has wriiten and directed

THE father of a young York boy who underwent life-saving heart surgery as a baby is asking people to buy tickets for his charity pantomime to be staged at the Guildhall next month.

Nick Boardman, 39, put out a call last year for people in York to get involved with his version of Robin Hood.

Now the curtain is ready to go up on the show when it opens on April 10. The proceeds will go towards the legal battle to save the children’s heart surgery unit at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI), and the Mia’s Memory charity.

A decision is expected from the High Court tomorrw over whether LGI will lose its service to Newcastle.

Mr Boardman, from Haxby, said: “Because of what happened to Alex we have emotional ties to LGI but the travelling is also a big issue.

“Alex didn’t have to travel for more than 45 minutes, but if he had to travel to Newcastle he might not be here now.”

Alex was born with a serious heart defect and needed emergency surgery at the age of three. He is now a healthy six-year-old and his father is hoping the pantomime will bring in valuable cash for those fighting for the LGI.

“I have written it, produced it and directed it,” he said.

“Generally the response from people wanting to get involved has been fantastic and we have managed to raise £500 in sponsorship.

“Props have been built in my front room – we have done it on a zero budget because we have tried to make as much money as we can. Everybody has given a thousand per cent.”

Robin Hood will be staged at 7.30pm in the Guildhall on April 10, 11 and 12. Tickets are available on the door, or for further details phone Nick on 07412 112 988.