THE captain of a golf club, whose grand-daughter Mollie was still-born, has raised £2,500 for a baby charity.

When Richard Ewell became captain of Deane Golf Club, he nominated Tommy's as his chosen charity for the year. Tommy's was set up 10 years ago to raise money for research into prematurity, miscarriage and stillbirth.

Richard's daughter Victoria Hough, aged 29, went into labour in September, 2000, when she was just 26 weeks pregnant, but staff at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester were unable to save the baby.

However, Victoria is now the mother of an eight-month-old girl, Madeleine, who was born at full term.

Victoria, who lives in Wigan, is keen to have more children and is delighted that her father wanted to raise money for a charity which is so close to her heart.

She said: "Any research into why babies are stillborn is vitally needed. It is nice that my dad wanted to raise money for Tommy's in the light of what happened to me. Losing a baby is the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone."

Richard, who lives in Westhoughton and retired as captain in March, organised raffles at club functions with the help of members Brett Ross, Tony Latchford and Barry Coombes, as well a full golfing day to raise the charity cash.

He said: "I need to say a big thank you to all the members for helping to raise such a tremendous amount.

"I knew straight away that I wanted to do something for a baby charity after what happened to Victoria."

Local Tommy's fund-raiser Lesley Wardle, who accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity, is especially keen to highlight the good work of Tommy's as her own daughter Charlotte was born seven years ago at 28 weeks weighing just two pounds and 11 ounces.