A hole-some day of golfing has raised more than £2,000 for a charity that supported an Alton couple following the death of two premature babies.

Rob Littlewood and Emily Gard have been overwhelmed by the support shown to them and The Forget Me Not Fund during an epic 72-hole challenge at Worldham Golf Club.

Eight golfers went the course in a dawn to dusk challenge with the team teeing off at 5am last Friday (June 20).

The challenge was followed by an “incredible evening” at The Bakers Arms where friends, families and supporters gathered for a raffle with generously donated prizes.

The day was an emotional one for Rob and Emily as it was held in memory of little George Littlewood and Baby Iris.

George, who was born at just 29 weeks in November 2023 and weighed 940g, died ten days later while Iris was born sleeping at 17 weeks in May in an experience no parent should go through, let alone twice.

But the pair have found darkness out of light, and have become staunch supporters and fundraisers for a charity that has helped them and bereaved parents.

The pair were introduced by the midwifery bereavement team at Basingstoke hospital to the Forget Me Not Fund charity which supports parents involved in miscarriages, stillbirth and deaths after birth.

The money raised from events like the 72-hole challenge helps the charity to provide memory-making keepsakes, beautiful counselling and community support groups.

It also funds the Butterfly Suites at Winchester and Basingstoke hospitals where families can spend precious moments with their baby.

The couple and the FMNF have been given a helping hand by Worldham Golf Club as Dan Horseman, club captain and friend, has made the good cause his charity of the year. He swung into action last week along with WGC male champion, Ben King, Mr Littlewood, Sam Taylor James Foulkes, Mark Benham, Jason Stockley and Richard Small.

Spirits were high throughout with the eight being fed with bacon rolls, sandwiches and endless encouragement.

Numerous Alton businesses donated prizes for the evening raffle at The Bakers Arms following a moving day.

Emily said: “It’s hard to put into words what this means, not just to me & Rob, but to every family who will be helped because of this kindness.

“This was all done in loving memory of baby George and baby Iris and every penny raised will go towards making sure other families going through the unimaginable, feel supported and cared for.”

She added: “Everyone was so generous and the local businesses from Alton were amazing, just like last year, and there were some wonderful prizes.

“I think we’re looking to do something else this year because Rob is captain and he’s chosen our charity as the club charity for his year. But it was just wonderful – it was so overwhelming, having so many people turn up to support us, the charity and remembering our babies.”

For more details or to donate look for Forget Me Not Fund on www.justgiving.com