BALLOONIST John Guy helped a cancer charity launch its annual daffodil appeal with the unveiling of the brand new Marie Curie hot air balloon.

John, of Gargrave, who owns Black Sheep Balloons, bought the balloon in memory of his mother, Pat Guy. She was cared for at the Ardenlea Marie Curie Centre, Ilkley, where she died on her 60th birthday in July.

"My mother did a lot of the office work for my business and it was a way of saying thank you to her and to Marie Curie for the wonderful care they gave her," said John.

Local Marie Curie fundraiser Brenda Doyle was delighted with John's gesture to help launch the Year 2000 daffodil campaign.

"Silk" lapel daffodils will soon be available throughout Craven in return for a donation. Street and supermarket collections will also be held during March.

"It is such a generous way for John to show his support of the charity and certainly the most exciting way we have had to launch our daffodil appeal. It really is quite an awesome sight and to see our huge logo floating over the countryside will be thrilling.

"John intends the balloon for his own personal use, but his ambition would be to fly it full-time at meets around the world promoting Marie Curie Cancer Care - so he intends to carry on buying his lottery ticket!" said Brenda.

She added: "We would be delighted if anyone would like to take a box of blooms to raise money at their place of work, pub or club. We also desperately need people to give an hour of their time at one of our collections. These are being held at Skipton and Settle on Saturday March 11."

Anyone wishing to help should contact Brenda at The Fundraiser's Office, Riddings Hall, Riddings Road, Ilkley, LS29 9LW, or telephone 01943 817395.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.