A NORTH YORKSHIRE couple are hoping to turn rounds into pounds in memory of their young son when they hold a fundraising golf tournament later this year.

Jonathan and Fiona Scarlett-Abbott, of Langton, near Malton, launched the £75,000 appeal to purchase a specialist paediatric ambulance following the death of seven-year-old Joshua.

Joshua's life was initially saved in 2001 using ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation), a bypass system which oxygenates the blood outside the body, allowing the lungs to rest and heal from infection.

Due to the lack of paediatric ambulance facilities, Joshua was airlifted by RAF Sea King helicopter from Scarborough to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, one of only three hospitals in the UK to offer ECMO.

Although Joshua died in October last year from a rare form of cancer, non-Hodgkin's T-cell anaplastic lymphoma, the family spent precious extra months with him and are now determined to buy a specialist ECMO paediatric ambulance to benefit other children.

The Joshua Scarlett-Abbott ECMO Ambulance Appeal Golf Day is to be held at Aldwark Manor Hotel and Golf Club, at Alne, near Easingwold, on Thursday, September 11.

Competitors are invited to enter teams of four at a cost of £85 per player, inclusive of a three-course dinner afterwards. Individual players are also welcome.

Mr Scarlett-Abbott said: "Aldwark Manor Hotel and Golf Club have generously agreed to assist us in reaching our goal, and we are delighted to hold the golf day at this impressive venue.

"We are expecting support and attendance from various sporting and media personalities at the event and we will also be holding a charity auction over the dinner.

"Should anyone be able to assist in providing additional auction or competition items, please contact me directly.

"I sincerely hope that many people can join us for what will be a very enjoyable day in a delightful setting, and assist us in reaching our goal of purchasing the desperately-needed ECMO Ambulance in Josh's memory."

For further information phone Mr Scarlett-Abbott on 0870 9077101 or email golf@joshuasappeal.org.uk.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, July 24, 2003