14 Apr 2023 Community

Martin Folan holds 16th annual golf day to raise funds for The Kirkwood

Long time supporter Martin Folan is once again hosting a charity  Golf Day on the 17th June at Bradley Park Golf Course in Huddersfield to raise funds for The Kirkwood. This will be Martin's 16th year running the annual event which raises around £7,500 each year for the local charity. 

Martin started raising funds for us in 2006 when he had the idea to turn his love for golf into a fundraiser in memory of his sister, Bridie Foster and brother-in-law, Kevin Foster, who was also fondly known as Bomber by those close to him.

Both Bridie and Kevin spent their final days on The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit. Kevin sadly died in 2004 aged just 42, and Martin’s sister, Bridie, died the following year aged 53.

The first annual golf day began with 20 friends and fellow golfers, who set off to Galway in Ireland where they raised a fantastic £2,600. In 2007, the Golf Day became an official event. It has grown incredibly over the years and these days sees up to 140 of golfers from across Kirklees taking part; enjoying a great day out for a good cause.

Bridie and Kevin

Martin is once again looking forward to the event, which is now one of the biggest at the club. Last year, Martin dedicated a hole 

to a long time friend, Stephen, who was cared for by The Kirkwood before his death. This year Martin will again dedicate a hole to Stephen as well as another friend, Michael, who died back in February and was also cared for by The Kirkwood. 

On why raising funds for The Kirkwood is so important, he said: "I spent two nights at The Kirkwood when my sister was on the In-Patient Unit. The support was second to none and the care was tremendous. 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.

"This year when I met with Bev Shaw (The Kirkwood's Business 

Development Manager) to plan my event it reminded me that it has been 18 years ago since my sister died, and the thought of the care that The Kirkwood provided her and other people I know since then continues to drive me on." 

Martin stood with a The Kirkwood nurse 

Beverley Shaw, Business Development Manager 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.”