Punters, pounds and pints

8:30am Saturday 10th May 2008

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A CHARITY race night in memory of 20-year-old Natalie Strickson, who died of a rare heart condition, has raised more than £5,000 for Guardian Angels.

Family and friends of the York nursery assistant have thrown themselves into The Press Guardian Angels Appeal in tribute to Natalie, of Haxby, in York, who died in 2005.

Their fund-raising has now topped £15,000 following their third charity race night.

As well as betting on the night at the Lysander Arms, in Rawcliffe, York and the chance to buy horses, a spontaneous beard and head shave helped boost the coffers to £5,122.

And an auction of prizes, donated by local businesses had punters asking for the event to be repeated next year.

Organiser Martin Lyon said: "The support from local people was brilliant. That's what really makes a difference. About 200 people turned up. It was full of local customers who gave so generously."

He said the highlight of the night was the auction. Prizes attracting the highest cash bids included an RAF flight simulator course, which raised £400, followed by two nights with Best Western in Edinburgh.