IT IS supposed to be the happiest day of your life.

And one Hampshire couple have chosen to spread their happiness by holding a charity event in place of their wedding reception.

After tying the knot at Southampton Register Office, on March 1, Louise Abbott and Ryan Hewitt, from Totton, will be holding a charity weekend at The White Horse, Netley Marsh.

The couple hope their big day will raise £4,000 for the Round Table Children’s Wish, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

Louise, 32, an accounts manager for web design company, Studio Republic, said: “We didn’t want any wedding presents and we thought it would be a nice idea to do something different and to help children in the area.

“I don’t think it’s been harder to plan than a normal wedding. Lynne Brown and Duncan Owers at the White Horse have been brilliant and have helped a lot in planning the fun weekend.”

Ryan, 37, a network engineer for Aruba Networks, said: “Lou and I are the sort of people who like to get out and do this sort of thing and it’s a great charity. We’re lucky, our daughter is happy and healthy but for some children, that’s not the case. I’m really looking forward to all of it.”

The charity weekend will begin at 8pm on March 1 with Hampshire band, Hazard County Rock, followed by a darts competition and karaoke disco, March 2, and a children’s disco and live music from Ria Osborne, March 3.

As if planning a wedding and charity event wasn’t enough, the newlyweds will also be cycling from London to Paris in August.

For more information call the White Horse, on: 023 8086 2166 or visit: whitehorsenetleymarsh.

co.uk, or to donate to the couple, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.

com/team/welike2rideourbikes.