A 12-HOUR touch rugby charity event in Kingsclere will raise funds for two worthy causes.

The event, which is being held by members of Kingsclere Rugby Club at the Fieldgate Centre, in Fieldgate Drive, will take place between 9am and 9pm on Saturday.

It includes a special children’s session in the afternoon, a raffle and auction including a signed London Irish shirt, 18 holes at Sandford Springs Golf Club and a London Wasps shirt.

A barbecue and hog roast will be available. A £1 donation is being requested for each hour of rugby played, which will raise money for Turner Syndrome Support Society (TSSS) and SOFT UK, supporting those affected by Trisomy.

Both charities are causes which are close to the heart of two members of the club.

Robert and Samantha Doble lost son William in March when he was born at just 22 weeks old.

The couple, who also have an 18-month-old daughter called Jessica, were told that William had Patau’s Syndrome – a chromosome disorder which is a form of Trisomy. and multiple abnormalities which can result in severe physical and mental impairment.

Kristian and Kimberley Wells support TSSS after their six-year-old “miracle daughter” daughter Lily-Mae was born with the genetic condition.

The condition, which affects one in every 2,000 baby girls, occurs when babies have only one of two normal chromosomes and occurs when the baby is conceived in the womb.

Females with Turner Syndrome can experience a wide range of symptoms and are usually shorter than average and have underdeveloped ovaries resulting in a lack of monthly periods and infertility.

There is currently no cure for Turner syndrome, but many of the symptoms can be treated and sufferers need to have regular health checks for their heart, kidneys and reproductive system throughout their lives.