Golf club's £12.5k fundraising drive
MEMBERS of Mendip Golf Club were supported by their local community to raise a remarkable £12,500 to help protect lives from the deadly brain bug meningitis.
Club captain during 2011, Steve Rawlings, chose Meningitis UK as his charity of the year after his son Matt, 17, survived the disease as a child.
He was joined by ladies captain for last year, Chris Williams, to present the cheque for £12,500 at the charity's HQ in Bristol last week. Chris Bryant, who captained the seniors, also played a key role in the club's fundraising drive last year.
Steve said: "This is a cause so close to my heart. I know how lucky we were with Matt - many people are not so fortunate and families lose loved ones every year to this cruel disease.
"In these tough times I thought that £10,000 could be a real challenge, but to hit £12,500 was just amazing. It has been really rewarding knowing this money can make such a difference. Anything we can do to help get a vaccine is worth it."
Steve also took part in a skydive earlier in the year to support the cause.
Mendip Golf Club received 97 donated prizes for last June's charity golf day raffle from local retailers and businesses gave nearly £800 in hole sponsorship on the day. Club members said local businesses' generosity in these challenging times merited particular praise.
Meningitis UK Founder Steve Dayman, who lost his son Spencer to meningitis in 1982, said: "I was lucky enough to join the club members on their golf day and was overwhelmed by people's generosity – both from the club and the wider community. It was a brilliant day and I would like to say a huge thank you to Mendip Golf Club from the whole team here at Meningitis UK– the money will make a big difference to us to help us protect future generations from the disease."
Meningitis UK funds pioneering research to eradicate all forms of meningitis in the UK. The charity also raises awareness of the symptoms of the disease. It is currently offering people free symptoms magnets to readers to help spot signs of the disease as part of its Trust Your Instincts campaign.
To find out more about Meningitis UK's work or to request a free fridge magnet, please call 0117 947 6320 or visit: www.meningitisuk.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774