GOLFING enthusiasts will tee off to support a vital Hampshire charity supporting critically ill babies.

Southampton University Hospital’s Friends of Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is hosting its 11th annual golf day on Wednesday in Hursley.

Sky Sports golf presenter James Haddock is among guests at the popular sporting contest taking place in South Winchester Golf Club.

Golfers of all handicaps and abilities will unite to raise funds for the 14-bed unit serving 950 children, which is the lead centre for paediatric intensive care for south central England.

This year organisers are collecting £130,000 towards the cost of a new specially equipped ambulance.

Mr Haddock has donated US Masters souvenir merchandise, which is up for grabs in a grand raffle.

It includes a flag signed by US golfing legend Jack Nicklaus.

The day is being sponsored by Matchtech, which has now collected more than £100,000 for the charity through golf days and black tie events.

Dr Ian Macintosh, director of the unit based at Southampton University Hospital, said: “Everyone is hearing about how pushed we are in acute medicine and critical surgery in the NHS at the moment. Matchtech’s sum makes an enormous difference to our unit in providing much-needed life-saving equipment for children struck down by serious illness or injury.”

Teams of up to four people cost £280 and can be booked by calling 023 8069 6712 or emailing events@friendsofpicu.org.uk.