6 Jul 2023 Community

Charity Golf Day raises £8,744 for The Kirkwood

An annual charity golf day held at Bradley Park Golf Course has raised an incredible £8,744 for The Kirkwood. Now in its 16th year, the yearly event is organised by local supporter Martin Folan and has now raised over £100,000 in total for the Kirklees based charity.

Local man Martin Folan has been supporting The Kirkwood for almost two decades through an annual sporting fundraiser. Each year, Martin’s Charity Golf Day, kindly sponsored by Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, welcomes teams from across the community to take part in a day of golf and fundraising in aid of The Kirkwood.

132 golfers took to the fairways for the 2023 event on Saturday 17th June, raising a phenomenal £8,744 for the local charity, which supports people affected by any life limiting illness across Kirklees.

Martin Folan (front right) celebrates another huge fundraising acheievement with friends and fellow golfers.

 

Bradley Park Golf Course played host to the event once again this year, providing the perfect backdrop to a day of sporting fun in which the big winner has always been the families it helps to support.

Despite taking part to support a worthy cause, competition between the rival teams was fierce. Pin-point drives resulted in cheers and high fives all round, whilst wayward putts were met with groans of despair at every green.

This year, the 7th hole was dedicated to the memory of two special people, who were both cared for by The Kirkwood. Michael Kay “Chippy” and Stephen Jones were lifetime friends to Martin and many of the golfers taking part and are sadly missed.

Following their rounds, scorecards were handed in and the final numbers were crunched, with ‘Joe’s Boys’ coming out on top.

With all the teams back in the clubhouse, players and their families were invited to an evening of entertainment and fundraising back in the clubhouse, with live music from rock band The Fiery Biscuits.

The annual charity event continues to go from strength to strength following a short break in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, the fundraiser proved so popular this year that organisers had to add extra tee off times after places sold out in record time.

Martin said: “There was a big turn out from our golfers, and the evening event was well supported too. We raised lots of money through a raffle and loads turned up to watch the live band. It’s amazing how much we’ve managed to raise, we’ve blown last year’s golf day out of the water.

“We know what we’re doing after sixteen years, but it’s still a lot of hard work from everyone involved. My name might go on the cheque to The Kirkwood, but it’s one big team effort.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped out, including Tom in the pro-shop and Tina in the clubhouse, who have been great.

Beverley Shaw, The Kirkwood’s Business Development Manager, was on hand to support Martin’s efforts and is proud of the whole team’s efforts.

She said: “Martin’s Charity Golf Day is an event we look forward to each year. It’s always fantastic day out and everyone involved always has a great time. The weather wasn’t always kind to our golfers this year, but there was a brilliant turn out, and everyone really got into the spirit of the day.

“To be able to bring so many people together to take part, year after year, is a testament to Martin and dedicated support for The Kirkwood.

“We are really grateful to all of the golfers who picked up their clubs for The Kirkwood to help us raise such an amazing total.

“Huge thanks go to the event sponsor, Chadwick Lawrence, our hole sponsors Jaf Builders, Heat Pump Installers UK, Broddy’s Transport and Baimbridge Flooring, and all those who donated prizes for event. I’d also like to pay tribute to everyone who volunteered their time to make this year’s golf day such a special occasion.”