A WACKY golf day has raised £6,000 for the Rob Stephenson Trust.

Robert Stephenson died after being struck by a taxi on a night out in York in March. The 21-year-old, from Pickering, was a rugby player with Malton and Norton Rugby Union Club and a cricketer with Thornton-le-Dale Cricket Club. He was in the third year of an agriculture degree at Newcastle University, with honours in agronomy.

Rob’s parents, Patrick and Nicki, and elder brother Sam, set up the Rob Stephenson Trust to help young people take part in sport.

Nicki said: "Everyone had an fantastic time at the Rob Stephenson Wacky Golf day at Malton and Norton Golf Club. Rob was a member when he was younger and the family has spent many an enjoyable time together playing there.

"Players were asked to tee off with a cricket bat and tennis racket, putt with a hockey stick and hit the golf ball over the rugby posts approaching the 18th green. It was a really different and fun day that everyone seemed to enjoy."

Representing the Lady Lumley's School team, where Rob was a former pupil, were Sam Batty and Josh Peel.

Nicki said: "Another team comprised of the Lady Lumley’s PE department, the people who had taught Rob the love of participating and enjoying sport.

"Teams came from across the Ryedale valley and his brother, Sam had friends from all over the country, many who were old university friends from Newcastle. Malton Rugby Club was also represented well with a number of teams taking part. "Thornton Dale Cricket Club also had a team, but had to adjourn early due to bad light. That left the PE department to literally ‘turn out the lights’ on the 18th."

Nicki said Richard Brown, Paul Deverell, Richard Pearson and Robin Kellock won the event with a 103 points, 18 of which were earned on the 18th where they managed to get their balls over the rugby posts.

"About 200 people took part and raised £6,000 for the Trust. A big thank you to everyone that supported the event from the starters, to the spotters and the raffle crew, you were all amazing.

"Also a big thank you to the captains, Lesley Mather and Dan Gillbank and the golf club committee for allowing the day to be held, and to Michael Brooks, the golf professional, who co-ordinated everything on the day."

Nicki said: "We would also like to thank the many local businesses and golf clubs that gave so generously to help make the raffle a substantial amount of money.

"On advice from Michael Brooks the Trust is hoping to purchase some golf equipment for the Junior section to encourage as many young people as possible to take up golf."

She added: "The day was so successful that we are already planning for next year’s event."

For more information, go to rob stephensontrust.com