Cotswold golf marathon for Arthur Labinjo-Hughes

Roz Smart, who is almost 70 and from Long Compton, set herself the challenge after seeing the devastating story of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes in the news.

Six-year-old Arthur was murdered by his father and stepmother at their home in Solihull in 2020.

To raise money for a charity tackling the abuse of children, former teacher Roz has set herself the challenge of completing six golf courses in three days.

She said: “I have a grandson the same age as Arthur and I think this is what spurred me into action, the details of Arthur and other children's abuse are harrowing and upsetting.

“I wanted to do something to enable the NSPCC to continue their vital work - to be there for children at risk.”

Roz Smart will complete six golf courses in three days

Roz has been married to Graham Smart, 84, for 31 years.

The couple enjoy playing golf together, so doing it for charity seemed a natural route.

Former RAF pilot Graham added: “When I met Roz, part of the checking process was to make sure she liked golf. Lucky for me she did she did and we’ve been together ever since.

“I have been taking care of all the admin whilst Roz is hard training.

“We’ve had about £1,300 in donations so far, including some from America but we need to spread the message even wider.”

The challenge will begin on Sunday, March 20, and will see Roz play full 18-hole rounds of golf at six courses around the Cotswolds, including courses in Broadway, Chipping Norton and Naunton.

A fundraising page was launched at the turn of the year, and at the time of writing £1,305 in donations has been received, with Roz and Graham hoping to reach £10,000.

All money raised will go towards the NSPCC.

Roz added: "I hope you will consider a donation, no matter how small, to support the NSPCC - it is about the vulnerable children and how we can give them hope."

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rozsgolfchallenge to donate.