BRANSFORD Golf Club’s Craig Barry has raised more than £17,000 during 2023 for Leukaemia Care, the blood cancer charity which has its head office in Blackpole.
Club captain Craig chose Leukaemia Care as his ‘charity of the year’ after learning of several people, both adults and children, being affected by blood cancer as well as a fellow member of the golf club who was diagnosed shortly before Craig made his decision.
Throughout this year, Craig organised a number of events to get him to a magnificent total of £17,073.27.
Craig admits his fund-raising got off to a slower start, but it was a big auction at the club with some very special and enticing golf prizes which really kicked off his efforts. A selection of fantastic auction prizes, and a deal with the club’s partner hotel, meant more than £7,000 went into the fundraising pot from this one event alone.
Craig also held a Captain’s Day, whilst members suggested a whole Family Fun Day be held for everyone and not just members to attend, both of which were enjoyed by all as the raised more funds towards the total. There was also the club’s ‘Away Day’ – where a group visited another golf club – and the classic ‘buy a square’ game with superb prizes to get people get involved.
Another source of donations was the ‘charity hole’ on the golf course. Craig turned one hole into a special ‘Leukaemia Care’ hole and if golfers missed the green on this hole they had to make a donation.
Craig said: “It seemed an obvious choice for me to pick Leukaemia Care for my charity of the year once I had the chance.
“I became aware of a number of people suffering from leukaemia, and being in a position to help raise money for a local charity who could help them this was the perfect choice.
“I am very touched by all the brilliant support I have received from my golf club members, our visitors, and local businesses in getting me to this total of over £17,000.”
Leukaemia Care’s in memory and legacy support officer Claire Merritt said: “We are very grateful for the amazing sum of money Craig and his fellow golf club members have raised for Leukaemia Care.
“They know from their friend who has leukaemia just how much this money means to us as a charity. It enables us to keep supporting patients, and their families, who are affected by blood cancer.
“It’s not an easy time to raise money so this will help us to continue to do invaluable work through the many services we offer.
