A special netball tournament has raised cash to buy life-saving equipment for York District Hospital's intensive care unit (ICU).

A Graseby Infusion Pump, which is used to automatically inject vital fluids such as medication into ICU patients at pre-programmed intervals, has been purchased with the proceeds of the York and District Netball League's annual fund-raising tournament.

It was held in memory of Martyn Kennedy, son of committee member Val Kennedy who died on the unit six years ago at the age of 16.

This is the second time the netballers have bought an infusion pump, which cost over £1,000, for the ICU.

To date Val has raised about £16,000 for the ICU, £6,000 of which has come from the netballers.

Former York player Charlotte Royle has designed another Christmas card to be sold in aid of the ICU, after last year's sales made over £500. This year's cards can be obtained from the ICU, stalls in the hospital foyer, from Val or by calling Mrs fawcett on York 762227.

The league has held two further tournaments, organised by Val and fellow committee member Joyce Rollinson. A further £163 had been raised for the Jane Leaf Fund, which helps young players with costs of travelling to trials, accommodation and so on, and £146 will be sent to the York branch of the Alzheimers Disease Society.

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