PRESS RELEASE - Charity golf day raises vital funds for Butterwick Hospice

A CHARITY golf day raised over £10,000 for a Hospice which has been supporting people across Teesside and County Durham for 40 years.

The event, for Butterwick Hospice, was sponsored by family-owned Croxdale Group Durham, which has been providing motorists in the region with an array of high-quality vehicles and services since 1967.

The golf day took place at Ramside Hall, featuring 16 teams playing on the Cathedral Course - and has been hailed a great success by everyone involved.

Events such as these are vital for Butterwick Hospice, as it costs more than £7,000 per day to deliver the Hospice’s many services. It provides holistic care for children and adults living with a life-limiting illness.

The charity is also a great source of help and support to their families and loved ones.

Speaking of the successful day, Helen, senior fundraiser, said everyone enjoyed their golf – despite the windy weather!

“Afterwards, when we all met in the clubhouse to enjoy a well-earned carvery and dessert, we received lots of positive comments about what a great day it had been,” Helen said.

“This was my first golf day, which I loved organising coming from a family of golfers - I just wish I could have captured the atmosphere in a video for the team, with everyone laughing and enjoying themselves.”

A team put forward by Taylor Wimpey were the victors on the day, followed by runners-up Smith & Friends.

The day also featured competitions including Beat the Pro, Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin.

Longest drive was won by Ian Newell of Dalecare Limited and Jason Allan of Carpets & Flooring 2 You was Nearest to the Pin.

“There was only one player who Beat the Pro - Richard Lockey from Carpets & Flooring 2 You in Bishop Auckland,” Helen said.

“Due to the weather conditions, it was not the easiest round of golf however, this did not affect the atmosphere out on the course as the players knew they were supporting a good cause. The golf course was in great condition – the green staff had done an excellent job setting up the course.”

Speaking of Croxdale’s sponsorship for the golf day, Helen added: “The lads at Croxdale could not have done any more for us and were really looking forward to supporting us with this event.

“They recently donated a van to us and when Anthony Rockingham, managing director and Graham Elliott, general sales manager, told me they wanted to offer us a van as well, it took me completely by surprise”.

“Having the van has helped the fundraising team at the Hospice dramatically - we can now transport everything needed for events in the van rather than use our own personal cars.”

She added: “We are very grateful for the support we have received from Croxdale Group.

“Our thanks must also go to everyone else who took part in the golf day, as events like this make such a massive difference.”

Anthony Rockingham, managing director of Croxdale Group, said: “It means a great deal to us to be able to support a local charity that does so much for people in the local area going through some of the most difficult times in their life.

“The golf day was a great event and everybody really enjoyed the day despite the weather, which definitely had an impact on the way we played!

“It is pleasing to see how much the event has raised and we’re also delighted that the van we have supplied is making such a difference to the staff at Butterwick Hospice - as well as saving the charity vital funds.”

Towergate Insurance sponsored the Hole in One on the day and hole sponsors included Croxdale Group, Carpets and Flooring 2 You, Dale Care, JLES Group, LRT Groundworks and Middlesbrough College.

Based in three Hospices, across two sites, Butterwick Hospice prioritises not just the physical, but also the mental health and wellbeing of its patients and their loved ones.

The Hospice believes in embracing life’s journey with compassion and care and aims to make every day the best it can be for those people it supports.

“We are only able to continue to provide our services thanks to the incredible support of loyal individuals, groups and businesses within our local community,” Helen said.

For more information, visit www.butterwick.org.uk/