YOUNG team-mates of a North Yorkshire schoolboy, who died from a rare form of cancer, turned pedal power into pounds to give a boost to an appeal in his memory.

Youth section players from York RUFC took part in a sponsored 20-mile bike ride yesterday to help raise about £2,000 to be split between their club and Joshua's Appeal, which was set up in memory of seven-year-old Joshua Scarlett-Abbott, from Langton, near Malton.

Joshua's parents, Jonathan and Fiona, launched the £75,000 appeal to buy a paediatric ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation) ambulance after their son lost his fight against Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in October last year. About 55 riders set off from York Racecourse to clock up the miles along the York to Selby cycle route. Mr Scarlett-Abbott said: "We would like to thank everyone who supported the event." A golf day, which it is hoped will feature Yorkshire cricketers and England rugby players, is planned for June or July and a charity dinner is planned for around September. Mr Scarlett-Abbott said he would welcome any offers of auction prizes. He can be contacted on 01653 658660.

To contribute to the appeal, send cheques, made payable to the J Abbott ECMO Appeal, to Carrier House, Main Street, Langton, Malton, YO17 9QP.

Updated: 10:28 Monday, February 17, 2003