The 2019 Captain’s Charity Day was hosted by Leek Golf Club Captain Ken Hollins. All proceeds from the day will be donated to Ward 201/202 Haematology Department Cancer Unit at the Royal Stoke Hospital and the Peter Alliss Wheelchair Appeal.

The start sheet was full with the first tee off at 7.20am and the last group at 3.10pm.

The forecast for the day was mixed so fingers were crossed for the rain to hold off.

The format was 2 scores from 4 except on the 6th where 3 scores count and the 17th where all 4 scores count.

Various events were held to maximise the fund raising including a raffle, food and drink sales in the pavilion, beat the pro on the 11th and an auction.

Special thanks to Jacob who again stood on the 11th tee all day hosting a beat the pro. This event alone raised £572 which is a fantastic amount. Thank you very much Jacob.

The rain fell heavily around midday and it was looking like play would be suspended but thankfully it eased, and the remainder of the day stayed dry.

We think it is a great time to present the powered wheelchair on the day so that all the people who have supported the event can see the results of their generosity. It was great to see so many people in the clubhouse and there was a great atmosphere throughout the entire day.

The recipient for the wheelchair was 6-year-old Oliver Smith who attends Horton Lodge School. Oliver was born 11 weeks early and suffers from Cerebral Palsy. His current wheelchair gives him very little independence and the new powered chair will be his legs for the future. Oliver and his family were travelling to Disneyland Paris the next day, so Oliver was doubly excited! The presentation and interview with the family can be viewed on the Leek TV page on Facebook. Thanks to James who came to film this.

An auction was held after the wheelchair presentation with some fabulous lots on offer including a 7-night stay in a villa in Portugal and a fourball at the JCB golf course. Thank you to everyone for your very generous donations and to Steve Fryer for being the auctioneer. A huge thank you to everyone who bid on the auction.

Thank you to John Turner (Head Green Keeper) for his very kind donation of £100.

The total raised for the charities on the day was in excess of £10,500 which I am sure you will all agree is a fantastic amount. We are now looking at the possibility of purchasing a second wheelchair and will keep you updated on this.

A very big thank you to Greg and Karen who both put a tremendous amount of work in. Thank you very much to all the helpers on Saturday, the hole sponsors, the bar and catering staff, the members and visitors who entered and anyone who donated bottles etc. Without everyone’s help this day would not be possible and we are looking to grow this day year on year. If anyone would like to get involved in any way or has any ideas please speak to Clare, Bo or Greg.

Results:

1st - Craig, Stanier, Pete Nixon, Steve Fryer, Bo Robinson 92 points

2nd - Jeff Tyler, Chris Basford, Tony Griffiths, Sam Dawson 86 points

3rd – J. Stone, D. Stone, B. Stray, S. Smith – 85 points (43 back 9)

4th – Jayne Baxter, Jenny Cordon, Pete Cordon, Andy Baxter 85 points (39 back 9)

Nearest to the pins:

4th – Linden Davies

5th (in 2) – G. Sullivan

7th – Aaron Cooper

9th – Andy Tooth

13th – Steve Fryer

16th (Longest Drive) – Ed Lang

17th (in 2) – Howie Reynolds

Bo & Clare Robinson

Captain's Charity Organisers