Dersingham couple raise £35,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices in memory of little Callum

Callum Eldridge sadly died of leukaemia 12 days after he was born. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Little Callum Eldridge lost his battle against the cancer in October 2012. He had been born three weeks prematurely at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn.

Parents Stephen Eldridge and Odette Wood, from Dersingham, spent their last night with Callum at Each's Quidenham Hospice, in South Norfolk.

Telecoms engineer Mr Eldridge, 36, said: 'They were incredible, they were amazing. They supported us through very difficult times, our family as well. They gave us a bit of time to be family and say our goodbyes in the peacefulness of the hospice.' Since Callum's death Mr Eldridge and store team leader Miss Wood, 39, have organised a golf day in aid of the hospice each year around the time of his birthday on October 4.

This year's event, which was held at Heacham Manor Golf Club on Saturday, September 30, raised just under £8,000.

Stephen Eldridge with his partner Odette Wood and their two-year old daughter Harriet. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

'This year has been five years since his passing and we've now raised more than £35,000,' said Mr Eldridge. 'Our target was to get to £10,000. To get to £35,000 is amazing.

'We want to thank all the clubs who've donated a round of golf for the auction over the years, all the sponsors, players, family and friends who have helped.'

Main sponsors are Hunstanton-based construction and joinery firm Bespoke Norfolk. Narborough-based Crane Garden Buildings pledged to double the amount raised on the day. Heacham Manor has hosted each year's event.

Some 110 players turned out on Saturday. The winning team was made up of Ben King, Aaron Daly, Tim King and Simon King.

Stephen Eldridge organised the 5th Callum Eldridge Memorial Golf Day, raising money for the the East Anglian Children's Hospice. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Donations to EACH for Callum can be made online here.

Mr Eldridge writes: 'We have set up this page as a tribute to our son Callum so he can leave an ongoing legacy to help unfortunate others.

'All monies donated/collected will go straight to EACH to help provide there invaluable service to carry on and help other families as they are helping us through these difficult times. We would like to thank all of the wonderful compassionate staff that we have encountered along our journey at Quiddenham.'