A FAMILY Fun Day held at Anstey Park, Alton, attracted a large crowd who enjoyed a variety of events, craft stalls, live music and even a dog show but only a few would know of the genetic illness it was raising money for.

Stephanie Black hosted her third Family Fun Day recently to raise awareness of William’s Syndrome, an incurable condition that leaves new-borns with varying degrees of heart conditions, gastric problems and, in severe cases, liver and kidney failure.

Stephanie’s two daughter, Phoebe, two, has William’s Syndrome and like other sufferers is very small for her age – she has just learned to walk but isn’t talking yet – has no bone in her nose, blue star-burst eyes, and is fed supplements through a tube in her stomach. There is a one in 15,000 chance of a child being born with the syndrome, which was recognised 40 years ago.

“This year for the first time the NHS also recognised it as a syndrome, which will help get more recognition for it,” said Stephanie who also has a 17-month-old son Ollie and lives with husband Adam in Ropley.

Although the overall benefit of the fun day will be the money for research Stephanie also wanted to hold it in memory of a boy called Teddy from Chester who died when he was 11 months old from William’s Syndrome. Saturday would have been his third birthday.

During the event cyclists, Paul Izzard and Stuart Palmer arrived in the park, after a 24-hour cycle ride from Chester to raise £500.

Stephanie, 26, claid on a variety of entertainment and the day began with a football match between an Alton team, organised by Simon Lusted, and one from Bordon, organised by Stephanie’s brother, Darryll Bobbett. It was certainly a match with a difference as none of the teams had played football before.

The game raised £165 and a swear box passed round during the game raised a further £100.

Around the grounds were stalls and plenty of refreshments. Emma Giles organised the dog show with Mandy Wilson and several proud owners carried off winning rosettes.

Two lorries, loaned by LV Carpenter in Farnham, were used as a stage and Key Lime Pie led bands playing music until late. The event raised £2,600 for research into the syndrome.”

Next year’s William’s Syndrome Fun Day is due to be held at Anstey Park on July 29.