The Wiltshire Golf Club in Royal Wootton Bassett has given a major boost to Prospect Hospice by handing over a cheque for £10,900 raised by the club throughout 2017 to help the patients and families supported by the charity.

Each year, the club chooses two charities to fundraise for, but last year was an exception. After visiting the hospice, Club Captain Ian Mitchell proposed that the club focus their support on helping one charity, Prospect Hospice.

“Prospect Hospice was an obvious choice for us,” said Ian. “When we proposed supporting the hospice as our charity of the year, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

“This is a cause that really resonates with the club’s members.”

Seniors Captain John Edwards and his wife, Jennifer, also felt a strong affinity to the charity. “Jennifer recently lost her mum,” said John. “She was cared for at a hospice close to where she lives in Brecon, so supporting a local hospice was important. This is a cause that’s close to our hearts.”

The club tee’d off their support with a series of events from quiz nights, competitions and raffles, to discos and a weight loss challenge. A highlight of the year was the annual Captain’s Day, which culminated in an auction featuring prizes donated by club members and local businesses. This day alone raised £4,300, taking them a fair way to their overall sum. The club also placed collection boxes around their premises, and Ladies Captain Becky Lockley ran a JustGiving page on which she posted videos offering golfing tips.

“We’ve been blown away by the generosity of the members!” said Ian. “I was astounded when I saw the final figure – this is the most we’ve ever raised for one charity.”

“We’re proud to support such a worthwhile cause,” said John. “It’s great to see our money helping the local community. And we’ve not only raised money for the hospice, but awareness of the breadth of the services they offer too.”

Genevieve Arney, Events and Community Manager at Prospect Hospice, said: “We couldn’t believe it when we heard how much had been raised. Ian wanted to keep the final amount a secret until the big presentation, so it was a lovely surprise! It was great to hear how everyone really got stuck in to fundraising throughout the year and enjoyed themselves too. The funds raised will make a big difference to the patients and their loved ones that we support in the local community.”