Miss York finalists raise over £3800 for Ward 34

Miss York finalists raise over £3800 for Ward 34 at York Hospital in memory of former Miss York finalist, Emma Young

This years Miss York finalists have raised over £3800 for Ward 34 at York Hospital in memory of former Miss York finalist, Emma Young, who lost her battle against cystic fibrosis in November 2009. The Miss York finalists present the cheque to staff on Ward 34.

Emma Young was only 22 when she passed away after being on the waiting list for a double lung transplant but donor organs had not become available.

Each contestant had to raise as much money as possible for Ward 34 in the month leading up to the final which took place on 22 May at the Royal York Hotel. The Miss York Competition was a regional heat for Miss England and Miss World. The contestants organised a range of fundraising activities to raise the money including a tombola, car boot sale, cake sale, a sponsored one mile swim and one contestant ran an 11k run dressed as a giraffe! A proportion of the ticket sales were also donated to Ward 34.

Naomi Smith, a Miss York finalist said, "I am so proud of all the hard work that the contestants put into raising money for Ward 34. They raised an incredible amount, considering they had such a short time and many also had exams and other commitments. Ward 34 is such a worthy cause and we know that the money raised really will help to improve the patient's time on the ward."

Rebecca Thomas, a Consultant Physician at York Hospital said, "All of us on ward 34 would like to thank everyone involved in raising this amazing amount of money and for their time and commitment. I know how hard everyone has worked. The equipment and facilities this will fund will really make a difference to the care of other people with cystic fibrosis and the experience of an inpatient stay in the ward 34 side rooms."