A YORK family have sent out their thanks for public support as they set out for the Children's Transplant Games this week.

Parents Kirsty and Nigel Richardson, managers of The Blacksmiths Arms in Huntington, and daughter Elizabeth, were today on their way to the Games at Stoke-on-Trent, after raising almost £2,000.

The family were helped by the support of pub regulars at the Blacksmiths Arms, where part of the fun was a 24-hour darts marathon, led by Andy Richardson and Lee Jakobsen. A total of £1,810 was raised.

Elizabeth, 11, who had a kidney transplant last year. will be getting in on the action this week, when she takes her place in the games.

Mum Kirsty said: "It means a lot to be going for Elizabeth, and I think she thinks she will be coming home with a few medals."

"But what this is really all about is to say thank you, thanks to everyone who helped raise the money, and thank you to those families who have helped children like Elizabeth by making the decision to donate an organ.

"That is what the games are about, reminding people just how important it is to carry a donor card, and to make the decision, at such a hard time, to really help people like our little girl."

Updated: 12:52 Monday, July 28, 2003