A FOOTBALL match and family fun day has raised funds for the hospice which cared for a little girl who died from a heart condition.

Darcy, who lived in Malton, with her parents Emily and Kristian D’Rosario, died on January 24, just five days after her sister, Beatrice, was born.

The six-year-old, who was born with a serious heart condition, was due to undergo an operation at Leeds General Infirmary when an infection went to her heart.

Her family organised The Darcy Cup to raise much-needed funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice in Wetherby.

With the support of the local community, her family organised The Darcy Cup at the Old Malton Cricket and Football Club.

Team Ladybird and Team Bee played against each other at the event, which also included refreshments and family entertainment.

Emily said: “The day was a huge success, with lovely weather and a great atmosphere - everyone who came along had a great day.

“I was initially a bit nervous, but we had the support of the local with community and it was a great success.”

The event raised more than £2,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice with donations still coming in.

Emily said: “Our family used Martin House services and wanted to support the cause in Darcy’s memory. Even though we were there for different reasons, you couldn’t help but to be moved by how inspirational the whole place was.

“We were absolutely overwhelmed with the turnout on the day.

“We saw lots of familiar faces but also lots of other members of the local community that came down to help us enjoy the day.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their generosity on the day but also a huge thank you has to go to every individual and business that got on board with the planning and running of the day.

“We’d like to come back bigger and better next year. See you all for the Darcy Cup 2020.”