A THREE-day charity festival in York helped raise more than £2,000 for a little boy in need of a heart and lung transplant.

Donate For Great was set up by friends of Alfie Oliver, who was born with pulmonary hypertension and is currently on a waiting list for the lifesaving operation.

Gemma Holloway, a friend of Alfie’s parents, Tracey and Rob Oliver, set up the first Donate For Great last year to raise money for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA UK), and Great Ormond Street – both charities with strong links to Alfie.

She said: “To raise £2,000 in 2011 is just incredible – this is from the pockets of working class, average people, people who may be unemployed, have part-time jobs or have unstable positions of employment.

“2011 is the biggest economic downturn of our generation. I am so overwhelmed and honoured that the people of York are so generous. “ Hundreds of people turned out to take part in a series of events last weekend, at The Duchess in Stonebow, Montey’s Rock Cafe in Micklegate, and Kennedy’s in Little Stonegate.

Events included gigs from York bands Believe in FATE, Tomorrow We Radio, Prowl, Shade The Press and We Could Be Astronauts, a barbecue and sponsored chest wax, open mic night, and a sold-out basement venue for a comedy night featuring Can’t Sing Can’t Dance Don’t Care.

Matt Linley, from Shade The Press, said: “When I read articles like the one about little Alfie Oliver it makes me realise how lucky Iam to do what I do and I really hope from the bottom of my heart that this money raised will help him and many others in his position get better and live a life of happiness and love one that everyone deserves.”

Donations to support both charities can still be made at justgiving.com/alfies