THOUSANDS of pounds were raised at a fundraising football match over the weekend in memory of Pontypool mum Caroline Howarth.

Months in the making, the match organised by Newport County’s Lisa Savage raised £2,564 for baby Hallie-Rose Howarth, whose mum tragically died just days after giving birth to her on May 8.

Caroline tragically died just two days after the birth of her daughter following a severe asthma attack that inhibited her breathing.

That, coupled with an already decreased level of oxygen in her blood, caused her to go into cardiac arrest during an emergency caesarean section to deliver Hallie-Rose.

The event saw around 800 people turn up through the course of the day to watch a Newport County XI take on Caerleon Town AFC.

The money raised from the match will be put into a trust fund for Hallie-Rose to access when she turns 18 years old.

Dad Lee Howarth said he was “blown away” by the support he received on the day.

He said he was “very pleased and blessed” when learning of the amount raised from the match.

The event was organised by Lisa Savage, Newport County AFC’s club welfare officer.

She said this total doesn’t even include the amount raised by Caerleon Town AFC member Jonathan Tattershall on the clubs online fundraising page, or from a sponsored leg wax which also took place for Hallie.

“We raised £2,564 from the day and we are really pleased with that,” she said.

“We didn’t have a target amount but I know Jonathan, who set up the Trust, wanted to raise more than £2,500 and we have surpassed that.”

Mr Tattershall added: “It is a fantastic amount that we have raised and it was great to get behind everyone.

“Staff at the club were very touched by Lee’s story and feel proud to be chosen by Newport County AFC to be part of the day.

“It has given the club a boost to know that we have been able to help and support the community.”

To donate to the fundraising page set up for Hallie-Rose, simply go online and visit: www.gofundme.com/Lee-and-Hallie-Rose