HEART monitors bought in memory of a York schoolboy are slashing waiting times a year after his death.

Jamie Bucknell, 14, died suddenly in school of a massive heart attack 12 months ago.

Shortly after his death, his parents, Keith and Debbie, joined with the Evening Press to set up the Jamie's Have A Heart Appeal in his memory.

It saw caring readers raise the £7,500 needed to buy 12 of the portable heart monitors in less than three weeks.

Today, York District Hospital heart patients face only a month's wait to get a monitor - down from six months before the appeal.

Jane Allen, head of the cardio-respiratory department, said: "Before the appeal we had four of the monitors, but now we have 16. Getting the extra monitors has taken the waiting list down to a manageable level, which is great news for the hospital and most importantly for the patients.

"The monitors are constantly in use, which is the way we want it, and they have a pretty much unlimited shelf life, we would expect people to be using them from here for over 20 years."

Alison Martindale, of Clifton, whose eight-year-old son William has a heart complaint, said: "We came in for an appointment and left the same day with one of the monitors, which was great. It has meant William has been able to carry on with his life with hardly any disruption."

Keith Bucknell said today: "It is brilliant news, really good to know a difference is being made. It was Evening Press readers who raised the money, they deserve the credit."

As well as backing Jamie's Have A Heart Appeal, the last year has seen Keith and Debbie set up Jamie's Memorial Fund through the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Events they have been involved in included a massive fun run and a six-a-side football competition.

Over £30,000 was raised, with £15,000 going to CRY and the rest being ploughed back into the York community.

Keith said: "Normally CRY take 100 per cent of what is raised in the first year, but because it was so much money they took half and gave the rest back. We have donated £4,000 to Strensall surgery, but are open to suggestions for the rest.

"Any projects we help would ideally involve children or sport. Jamie loved football, tennis and skateboarding, and also went to the local nurseries when he was younger."

Strensall surgery staff used the money to buy new ECG equipment.

Any charities or organisations who would like to apply for a grant from Jamie's Memorial Fund should write to Keith and Debbie Bucknell, 18 Brecks Lane, Strensall, York, YO32 5UZ.

Updated: 11:59 Tuesday, November 12, 2002