6 Sep 2021 Community

Bradley Park Golf day raises an amazing £8,062 for The Kirkwood

The Kirkwood are proud to announce that our annual Charity Golf Day at Bradley Park Golf club, organised by our amazing supporter, Martin Folan has raised over £8,000 for The Kirkwood!

We are extremely proud and pleased that the 14th annual fundraising event held at Bradley Park Golf Club was a huge success, raising an incredible £8,062.78.

The fundraising day, expertly organised by Martin Folan, was a huge success, with over 30 teams playing their way around Bradley Park's stunning golf course whilst raising vital funds for the charity. We'd like to say a big thank you to Martin, the event sponsors and all those who make this event possible - including the players!

Sadly, Martin's sister Bridie Foster and brother-in-law Kevin Foster both spent their final days on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit before they died. Kevin died in 2004 aged just 42, and Bridie the following year aged 53.

In 2006, Martin set up his first fundraising golf day event with 20 friends in memory of Kevin and Bridie. Since then it has grown to be the club's biggest event. 

On the day Martin said: "This year was fantastic. We had over 100 golfers turn up. Some in fancy dress like the Peaky Blinders. That just added to the whole day which was brilliant. 

"The day was so fun and thankfully the weather was good. Although the fundraising is at the forefront of my thoughts. It's also about people having fun and they certainly did.

"I have been told by various people at the club that it is not only the biggest event the club holds, but it is the best too. That's really nice to hear." 

Over 30 teams of four signed up to take part in the annual fundraiser this year, making for a jam-packed day of golf. After all the scorecards had been handed in, the day's winners were declared as Fergus Barron, Oliver Barstow, Mick Hanson and Karl Schnacke of team Everpresent (pictured above with their trophy).

Martin believes The Kirkwood is vital to our community and says he'll never stop telling people about the great work we do. 

He said: "I can't thank The Kirkwood enough for their amazing support for me and my family. The work they do is so, so important. Our communities need The Kirkwood because it isn't just a place where you go and die. It is a set of people who care for us in different ways. Whether that's nurses caring for people in their homes or providing people with therapy. 

"More people need to know and understand what The Kirkwood does. I will never stop spreading the message." 

As for the continuation of the amazing golf days, Martin is determined to carry them on. 

"The golf days will definitely continue. They are a fundamental event now in the calendar. It's a lot of work but seeing everyone happy on the day is special. I get to see some people for the first time in 12 month which is nice." 

Beverley Shaw, Fundraising Manager expressed her delight from another fantastically attended event, she said: “From the moment I met Martin, it was evident to me that he puts his heart and soul into this event each year.

“We are extremely grateful to Martin for his ongoing support and tremendous fundraising efforts. This enables The Kirkwood to continue providing care to patients and families in Kirklees, as we did for Bridie and Kevin, many years ago.”