A HAMPSHIRE couple were not content with raising money for charity by running the London Marathon - so they organised a fundraising bash as well.

Debbie and Andrew Crocker, both 31, of Cowdray Close, Lordswood, held the event at Garden Court, University Road, on Saturday in aid of the Meningitis Trust and the Naomi House children's hospice, near Winchester.

The event was a resounding success and the highlight of the night was a raffle with top prizes including a signed Saints football and a PlayStation 2.

The couple have very personal reasons for wanting to raise money for the two charities. Debbie said: "Our little girl, Zoe, had meningitis when she was a baby and I work at Naomi House as a nurse. The two charities mean an awful lot to us and we wanted to give something back to them while we are still young enough and fit enough."

The Crockers set themselves a target of £3,000 to raise through running the marathon but later realised that sponsorship money alone would not be enough, so undeterred they organised the Garden Court night.

The bash raised around £1,200 and with £1,000 already pledged in sponsorship money, they are now well on their way to reach their goal.