CELEBRITY golfers have helped to raise more than £13,000 to make life easier for the family of a Northallerton two-year-old suffering from a terminal condition.

Helped by prominent figures from the sporting world, 21 teams took part in the special day organised by the cricketer Ian Botham at Romanby golf club on Monday to give a boost to the Olivia Webster trust.

Olivia suffers from spinal muscular dystrophy, a neuro-muscular condition which prevents her from standing or walking unaided. Her parents, Rupert and Helen, launched an appeal earlier this year to raise thousands of pounds for alterations to their home to make Olivia's life more comfortable.

Mr Botham promised to organise the golf day when he visited the Standard inn at Northallerton in May to present the trust with £6,000 raised by regulars.

His wife, Kathy, who helped him to bring the big names to the golf course in Yafforth Road, said: "We thought that, if a small pub in a market town could raise this kind of money, we could do something."

Mr Botham and his son, Liam, who plays rugby for Newcastle Falcons, were joined by the club's director of rugby, Rob Andrew, and team mates Inga Tuigamala and Jonny Wilkinson. Others in action included Doddy Weir, Steve Bates, Brian Close, Robin Smith, Dave Walder, Darren Gough and Mark Nicholas.

Money for the trust was raised by team entrance fees, a raffle and an auction of items, one given by Peter Reid, manager of Sunderland FC, who does not play golf but attended the special day.

Baydale Control Systems, of Newton Aycliffe, whose celebrity team member was Dave Walder, were the overall winners. Jonny Wilkinson was the best celebrity player and won a decanter given by Hoppers of Darlington.

Mrs Botham said later: "We have cleared over £13,000 and there are still some donations to come in. We are shattered, but the day went extremely well. Romanby golf club and its staff could not be faulted."