In memory of William Dodd

The inaugural event was held at and generously supported by Stoke Park Club in aid of William's Fund (Childhood Cancer Research).

In glorious sunshine, nine of the twelve local schools were represented over the Colt-designed course. With handicaps ranging from scratch to 28, a wide range of golfing ability was on display.

The team scores ranged from 127 to 102 points, with Moreland Drive beating the Community College into second place by 3 points. St Mary's School and Lovell End shared third place with 115 points. The individual winner, Michael Dunne and Runner-Up, Paul Birch (both with 44 points) were unsurprisingly from Moreland Drive; John Le Grys from Robertswood was third with 39 points.

Over 50 people, including a large number of wives and partners, sat down for the dinner, auction and raffle.

In excess of £6,000 was raised for William Fund much to the delight of Johanna Dodd (William's mother). Johanna who was present for the evening said, "William was only 2 years old when he was diagnosed with a type of cancer that was never established. '

He died at the age of four just a couple of days after watching his Kingscote classmates perform their nativity play. He had such a twinkle in his eye that won so many hearts and everyone was amazed at how well he coped throughout his illness. It was his determination coupled with the great memories of our little boy that became the driving force for us to raise funds for the Childhood Cancer Research Fund."

In her typical self-effacing way, Johanna said she was 'humbled' by what had been raised by the event and was 'deeply grateful' for the support of all the other mothers and fathers present at the event.

Justin Hampshire, captain of the Moreland Drive Team, using his right as winner to choose next year's charity, announced that his team had unanimously chosen to support William's Fund for the event in 2010 and suggested that the day should always be in aid of the Childhood Cancer Research Fund and in memory of William Dodd.

Williams Fund http://www.williamsfund.co.uk/