A COUPLE who threw themselves into charity fundraising after losing their son to a heart attack are close to reaching an amazing £30,000 total - after just six months.

Keith and Debbie Bucknell, of Strensall, York, say they are "emotionally and physically drained" by their charitable campaigning.

They now plan to have a rest - but also intend making two of their most successful "fundraisers" into annual events.

These are a six-a-side tournament, and a fun run, both first held earlier this month.

The two events attracted a large number of entrants and commercial backing from firms such as Simply Recruitment, who have already agreed to sponsor next year's tournament.

Other local businesses donated raffle prizes to the events.

Both were held in memory of Keith and Debbie's son Jamie, and were to raise money for charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

The couple had earlier run the Jamie's Have A Heart Appeal, which paid for 12 new portable heart monitors to be used in York District Hospital.

The Evening Press-backed appeal saw kind-hearted readers flood the paper with donations - smashing the original £7,500 target.

After that, they set up a permanent tribute to Jamie through CRY.

Keith said today: "We need a bit of space now, time for ourselves and time for our daughter Jodie.

"Perhaps we are all coming out of a bit of shock and there is some realisation setting in. We are going into another stage of grieving now.

"Everything that has been done has helped us, there is no doubt about that, and we are really grateful for everyone's support. But we think now is the time to have a bit of a break."

Keith said he and his family decided to make the six-a-side and fun run annual events after the level of backing both received.

He said: "They both went really well and everyone who took part really seemed to enjoy them.

"Debbie and I provided a cup for the six-a-side, and we will do that every year it is on. If different teams win it that means Jamie's name will be in lots of different places around York.

"Jamie loved his football and his sports as well. He wasn't the world's greatest sportsman but he would always have a real go, and if the tournament had been in someone else's memory I know he would have got involved."

Huntington School pupil Jamie died, aged 14, last November.

Updated: 12:06 Wednesday, May 22, 2002