GENEROUS golfers have clubbed together to raise thousands of pounds for a North East charity.
Keith Thompson, captain of Darlington Golf Club, and his wife, Kath, presented a cheque for £10,325.15 to St Teresa’s Hospice after choosing the end-of-life care provider as his captain’s charity for the year.
Keith, who joined the club in 2008, said: “It’s been a fantastic year, and a huge honour to serve as captain. I’ve really enjoyed raising funds to support the brilliant work of the hospice.
“I’d never done anything like this before, so I didn’t know what we’d raise, but once people knew it was for St Teresa’s, they just wanted to help. One fella walked straight across the bar – I didn’t know him – but he just shook my hand, gave me £20, and said, ‘Put that in’.
“You find out just how many nice people are out there when you start doing something like this.”
Throughout his year, Keith inspired friends and family to join him in supporting the hospice – including his Vice Captain’s mum, Jean Pattinson, who celebrated her 90th birthday by asking for donations to the hospice instead of presents.
Money raised during the club’s annual memorial golf day, organised by Keith’s brother John in memory of Keith’s nephew Mark – who died aged 40 – was also added to the total, along with proceeds from various raffles, events and fundraising initiatives.
Nicola Myers, chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice, said “A donation like this means so much – not just because of the amazing amount, but because it represents a fantastic community effort. When people come together to support us like this, it’s powerful proof that our work is valued and makes a real difference.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Keith, his family and friends, and all the members of Darlington Golf Club for this wonderful gift – rest assured, it will be put to excellent use.”
Keith added: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Peter Carter and T.Quality Foodservice, who catered our barbeque free-of-charge because it was in aid of the hospice, to Darlington FC manager David Hodgson for speaking at our Sportsman’s Dinner, and to Jean for donating her birthday gifts!
“Also, to the South Park Bowls Club for all their support, and – of course – to all the Darlington Golf Club members who made my year such a great success! I have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity of the members and the wider community.”