By Claire Cooper
Lindfield grandad and keen golfer Bob Baker is hoping local businesses and fellow enthusiasts will swing into action next year to support a charity golf day.
The event, at Chartham Park Golf and Country Club, near East Grinstead on 12th June, aims to raise £3,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, as part of the national Wear Yellow Campaign.
Bob was inspired to support the charity after his four-year-old grandson George was diagnosed with the disease. “The news came as a huge shock to the family,” Bob recalled. “I had limited knowledge of the disease and what I knew was based on 30 years ago. But a lot has changed since then - thanks to research and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
“George is an active and energetic little boy and with the help of drugs that have become more available over the last 20 years is able to lead a sort of normal life.”
Bob is organising the event together with his son, George’s dad Chris, and good friends David Mayne and Stephen Beale. The foursome are inviting businesses and fellow golfers to support the charity golf day by entering teams and sponsoring one of the 18 holes.
“Chartham Park is a lovely 18-hole par 72 course, originally designed by ex-Ryder Cup player Neil Coles, who oversaw its construction back in 1992,” said Bob, who also enjoys playing at Lindfield and Haywards Heath golf courses.
He added that some of the sponsored holes have already been snapped up by players and businesses, which include Fullpower Utilities, Weald of Kent Golf Club as well as Wooton and Bean, mortgage and protection advice experts based in Haywards Heath. There’s also an opportunity to buy a golf course ‘Bus Stop’, with the chance to win a prize.
“We’re working really hard to raise as much as we can and have set our target at £3,000,” said Bob. “I’d like to thank all those who are already supporting us, including my fellow Blackthorns dads.”
The charity golf day is open to teams of two players, and the cost is £75 per person which includes a bacon roll and tea and coffee on arrival, 18 holes of golf, a meal and prize-giving to finish, and a donation to the fundraising. The event will also include a charity auction, and any donations of prizes would be welcomed.
Players are asked to wear something yellow to support ‘Wear Yellow Day, a Cystic Fibrosis Trust initiative to raise funds and awareness, which falls on 12th June.
For further details of hole sponsorship, the ‘Bus Stop’ and auction and how to enter, visit: https://bit.ly/4rRVTay or contact Bob on bob.baker56@ outlook.com or 07974 419 738.