THE memory of a brave girl who died aged 14 will be kept alive in York Hospital's children's ward.

Twenty-five years after the death of Deanne Gee, of Kingsway North, a fund set up in her memory has raised £3,000 for our Guardian Angels appeal.

Deanne's mother, Joyce, launched the Deanne Gee Memorial Fund to help children with physical and mental difficulties while her daughter was still alive.

Now in its silver jubilee year, the fund has raised almost a quarter of a million pounds, helping children throughout York and North Yorkshire.

Deanne died in 1980 from spinalmuscle atrophy.

"Deanne was very severely disabled, but a very bright little girl who everyone loved," wrote Mrs Gee in a letter to the Evening Press.

"Deanne spent many years at the York Hospital and even had her own room on Ward 17.

"The doctors and staff were wonderful to her and to myself and the rest of the family, so I have many happy and sad memories of the children's ward.

"My best wishes for this wonderful project."

The Guardian Angels appeal has received many generous donations in the last few weeks, with old and young contributing to the cause.

These include £400 collected at the funeral of Peter Clough, and £159 at the funeral of Mr J Cook.

Meanwhile, a Guardian Angels fundraising committee is working to produce 10,000 Christmas cards.

Children staying on Ward 17 have drawn four designs, which include a Christmas tree and angels.

Retailers are now being sought to sell the cards, which are expected to go for £3.50 for a box of ten.

Anyone who could help should phone Peter Bebb on 01904 656314 or email peterb@peterbebb.co.uk

All donations, large or small, will help make a difference to changing high dependency care on York Hospital's children's ward. Send cheques or postal orders made out to Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal, to Charlotte Percival, Newsroom, Evening Press, 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

PLEASE do not send cash and PLEASE do not send donations to the hospital direct.

Updated: 10:36 Friday, November 25, 2005