Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes has thanked a Conwy golf club for their fundraising efforts this year, while encouraging others to do their bit and Step2It for wounded veterans and their families.
John Brookes, the Captain of Abergele Golf Club, said he nominated Help for Heroes as the charity to receive the proceeds of the club’s annual challenge because friends, family and neighbours have served in the military and he “felt it was a good cause, worth supporting.” John, 77, has been a member of the club since 1995.
Despite difficult weather conditions when the event took place in March, several club members and visitors participated and raised over £2,000 for Help for Heroes, which supports ex-military personnel affected by illness and injury.
Players paid £20 each to take part in the competition with an auction, raffle and evening entertainment at the clubhouse. £500 of match funding from HSBC, Prestatyn was arranged by Mrs Linda Thomas. Jon Bradley of Alison Bradley Galleries donated a limited-edition print of his wife’s artwork which was auctioned raising £110 towards the fundraising total.
In Wales, Help for Heroes has a dedicated team providing holistic support to men and women whose military careers have been cut short due to illness or injury. At the present time, Case Managers, Veterans Clinical Liaison and 1-2-1 Key Workers are delivering support remotely via telephone and video calls. Beneficiaries can also access the charity’s Hidden Wounds service for psychological support.
Recovery Manager Shelley Elgin says, “Our skilled staff work throughout Wales and Hereford, delivering life-changing services including welfare and career advice, 1-2-1 support, fellowship, and clinical liaison. During the Coronavirus pandemic Help for Heroes has also made our digital toolkit, the Field Guide to Self-Care, available to our healthcare workers, and anyone who is struggling, via our website.”
She adds, “Help for Heroes relies on the generosity of the public to support our work and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes time to volunteer to collect for us, hosts a sponsored event or activity to raise vital funds to Help for Heroes. The men and women of Abergele Golf Club have gone above and beyond in raising an impressive total for our vital work, ensuring we can support injured or ill veterans now and in the future, as the need arises.”
As restrictions on movement are easing, allowing golf to be played once more in Wales, Abergele Golf Club is again opening its doors to players, with measures in place to ensure social distancing is maintained. Mr Brookes says the club looks forward to welcoming golfers back to the course and encourages new players to get in touch.
In the meantime, Help for Heroes is launching a new fundraising initiative for anyone hoping to increase their fitness levels while supporting a good cause. Step2It is an opportunity for people to join a national challenge and be as creative as they like to reach 10,000 steps a day, or a daily distance of their choice, over 30 days. Whether people walk, skip, run, wheel, or even dance their way to their daily target, the money they raise will support Help for Heroes beneficiaries live their lives with purpose once more.
To find out more go to: https://step2it.helpforheroes.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/HelpforHeroesOfficial/videos/198225898240281
