A SUPPORT group for heart patients in the Selby and York area is teeing off its fundraising efforts with a charity golf day.

The York Coronary Support Group (YCSG) was founded in 1988 by a small number of heart patients at York Hospital.

It now runs a number of exercise classes, social events, and rehabilitation classes at the hospital.

The group is hosting its first ever fundraising golfing tournament at Selby Golf Club on Monday, July 7 - and members are on the lookout for participants.

The group is hoping to attract 50 teams of four golfers to play in the 18-hole tournament.

Entry is £100 per team and a host of prizes will be on offer.

Chairman Tony Tolhurst said the YCSG services were vital for heart patients, their carers and loved ones - but they all cost money.

He said: "I've had a heart attack and bypass and at least every other person in our group has had some sort of heart problem - we have at least two people who have had heart transplants.

"We are involved in helping new patients to come to terms with what's happened and help them adapt.

"My problems came out of the blue. I had a healthy diet and took exercise and it was the last thing I expected.

"But sometimes it's the partners that need more help from us than the patients. There was one couple where the wife had been afraid to go to sleep at night in case her husband stopped breathing.

"The partners get as much out of the support group as the patients do."

The group receives no external funding and relies on fundraising activities and voluntary contributions.

To take part in the golf tournament phone Geoff Wilson on 01757 269066 or email gwilson@ipass.com before Saturday, June 21.

Updated: 09:48 Friday, June 13, 2003