THE Stoke-on-Trent RSC has raised more than £2,000 for Russell Hall Hospital in Dudley following the tragic death of a club member's newborn child.

Darren and Claire Cooper's baby daughter Amy came into the world three months premature on January 2 following pregnancy complications.

But after she showed signs of improvement, Darren travelled north to watch the 1-1 draw between Rangers and Hearts three weeks later.

While he was in Glasgow, he received news that Amy's condition had worsened again and he arrived back home to be with her that night.

After being christened by the hospital vicar, she sadly passed away at 11.30pm that evening.

Amy's short life highlighted to members of the Stoke-on-Trent RSC that there is more to life than football.

As such, they decided before her funeral two weeks later to set up a fund to give money to the hospital and staff who had looked after her while she was ill.

It was decided that on the coach to last month's derby with Celtic, a raffle would be held and proceeds from that, along with any profits and contributions, would be donated.

Club secretary Ally Redford ensured the bus was filled, with Paul Dods and chairman Dave Evans taking responsibility for selling raffle tickets and Eve Evans also assisting.

A total of £230 was raised - with nobody picking the winning ticket - and a further £220 was collected on the journey home following the 1-0 win.

Stoke-on-Trent RSC boosted the fund further to £950 and in all a total of £2,120 was given to Russell Hall Hospital last week.

The club wishes to thank everyone for their generous donations and expresses its deepest sympathies to Darren, Claire and their son Ben for their loss.

Rangers Football Club also expresses its regret at the terrible news of Amy's passing.