A York pantomime performed by ambulance staff is back later this month by popular demand. Kate Liptrot reports.

A POPULAR pantomime set up by ambulance service staff in the memory of a fellow paramedic is set to return to York this month.

The Blue Light Theatre Company, made up of Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff, is staging Aladdin of Aagrahphobia at Acomb Working Men's Club on January 28, 29, and 30.

The pantomime was originally set up in memory of Sally Waudby, a well known York paramedic who saved many lives and supported countless numbers of people involved in emergency situations.

The mum-of-two was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and weeks before she passed away in 2012, her ambulance friends helped raise £12,000 for an eye gaze computer so she was able to communicate with friends and family when she became so ill she was unable to move or speak unaided.

The equipment went on to help other patients, and her friends decided to continue with their efforts. which have so far raised a total of £17,000.

Julie Staveley, a fundraising organiser and close friend of Sally's, said: "If we had not known Sally we would not have embarked on this road, she was the catalyst and started things off.

"This year people I didn't even know had any talent have come forward. I was surprised,people I didn't think were into am-dram have come forward and given it what for."

Last year's successful pantomime, Snow White And The Five Ailments went towards another computer to help motor neurone disease patients treated at York Hospital, and this year's event will support the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Martin House Hospice.

The show is written by Perri Ann Barley and directed by her husband Craig. Their previous pantomime was a big success and plans are already underway for next year's show.

Julie said the efforts of her colleagues are testament to the generosity and compassion of paramedics and ambulance staff who are giving their own time to help others.

Sally's daughter Beth is set to star in the pantomime and her husband Mick will be in the audience of each performance.

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7.30pm on both nights, cost £10 and £5 for under 14s.

They are available from Julie on 07880 577235 or by emailing jooliscious@btinternet. com