Golfers arrived in full swing to take part in Derian House’s first ever golf day – and it was nothing short of tee-rific – raising almost £10,000 for the children and families that the hospice cares for.
Held at Chorley Golf Club, the Derian Open saw 14 teams take part, kicking off with a shotgun start under par-fect blue skies, on Friday (25 April).
After a morning on the green, the teams gathered for a two-course lunch and awards ceremony, where bereaved dad Bradley Simpson delivered a moving speech to the golfers about the help Derian gave to his family after his four-year-old son Link passed away.
The winning team, “The Plumbase Shank Squad”, from Plumbase Chorley, received a special medal, donated by John Harrison Sports Ltd, as well as a bottle of Glen Stag Whiskey, a four-ball voucher at Chorley Golf Club, and plenty more.
Phil Edmonds, of Plumbase Chorley, said: “I’m so proud to have taken part in The Derian Open. It was a fantastic event where every shot supported the incredible work of Derian House. I am honoured to contribute to such a meaningful cause.
Matt Gould, of Anwyl Homes, was awarded the best player trophy and took home a Hansgrohne Shower System, donated by Plumbase Chorley, as well as a bottle of Scotch and a four-ball voucher for Chorley Golf Club.
There were also awards for nearest to the pin and longest drive, with last place taking home the wooden spoon.
“It was an excellent day and we are very grateful to have been part of it,” said Shaun Sumner, Construction Director at Anwyl Homes.
“Everything about the event was perfect from arrival to leaving. The staff at the club made us all feel very welcome and their service was first class. As was the on-course concession service. Derian really helped to make the day fun.”
Steve Wilson, Sales Director at Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd, said: “I attend a few charity golf days annually and today has been the best by far – and it’s great to raise money for a very special cause.”
A silent auction was held for a pair of tickets to golfing championship, The Open – donated by The Royal & Ancient at St Andrews – which went for £425.
And a last minute donation from Hillside Golf Course for a four-ball voucher was auctioned off on the day for £1,000.
A raffle saw several lucky players take home top prizes including a Fortnum and Mason hamper, a PING golf bag, a voucher for a round of golf at The Marriott Worsley Park Country Club, and a 30 minute lesson with Chorley Golf Club’s pro assistant, Connor MacGowan.
Prizes were contributed by sponsors and local businesses including Top Hat Golf, Rick Shiels PGA, Plumbase Chorley, Callaway, Ping, The Hinds Head, Village Green tea Rooms, and Dave Mullin Poker.
The event was sponsored by Anwyl Homes and Thomas Hardie Commercials, with the much-anticipated 19th hole sponsored by Ramsay Health Care.
So far, the event has raised ££9,845.85 for Derian House Children’s Hospice, which supports children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the North West.
Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “We can’t thank our amazing golfers enough for making the first-ever Derian Open such a brilliant day.
“We had such a fun day and for an important cause. Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6million to run the hospice this year. We rely on our kind-hearted supporters to raise 70p in every £1 as we only receive a small amount of funding from the government.”
“I’d also like to say a special thank you to our sponsors – Anwyl Homes, Thomas Hardie Commercials and Ramsey Health Care UK – we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 seriously ill babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West helping them to make the most of every moment.
