A generous football club has helped two local good causes - including our Hospice 2000 Appeal - to get nearer to their goals.

York City is to donate a total of £7,620 to St Leonard's Hospice in York and Martin House Hospice at Boston Spa.

Club chairman Douglas Craig said: "York City are delighted to have the opportunity to donate £3,810 to each of our two chosen charities.

"The club has decided to nominate St Leonard's Hospice and Martin House Hospice for children and young people because of the important role they both play in the local community and the overwhelming care and support they offer people suffering from life-threatening illnesses in the York area."

The two cheques will be officially handed over at City's forthcoming home game against Cardiff City on Saturday, April 21.

The cash donations are part of the Football Association's annual distribution of money raised by this year's Charity Shield match between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Traditionally the cash raised from the match is donated to charities chosen by the two clubs taking part in the match, but this year the FA's Charity Shield Distribution Committee decided to invite the 124 clubs which took part in the First Round proper and beyond of the FA Cup to nominate their own local good causes.

St Leonard's fundraising manager, Janet Morley, thanked the club. "This donation is a wonderful boost for our Millennium Appeal and will help us reach our goal," she added.

Carolyn Carpenter, of Martin House Hospice, said the donation would help its £2 million appeal to build the North's first teenage unit, for young people with a life-limiting illness.

"York City Football Club's generosity will make a real difference to the lives of the children and families who visit Martin House," she said.

Updated: 12:35 Wednesday, April 11, 2001