6:06am Monday 15th March 2010
A GOLF enthusiast from Bolton is organising one of the biggest charity golf events ever to be held in the UK to raise cash for the Help for Heroes charity.
Stacey Jeffries is Event Director of the National Golf Club Challenge, a series of tournaments at golf clubs across the country which aims to raise more than £1million for the charity which helps injured servicemen and women.
Mr Jeffries, aged 38, from Bromley Cross, used to play golf as a hobby but now runs a company which organises corporate and charity golf days. He came up with the idea for the event after hearing about Major Phil Packer, who was injured in Iraq, attempting to row across the Channel last year.
He said: “It was truly inspiring. I thought through my love of golf I could try and make a difference to the lives of our troops, on a national scale. It has taken more than 12 months and a lot of organisation but now I’m delighted it’s happening.”
His efforts are being supported by marine Aaron Moon from Westhoughton, who was seriously injured in a bomb blast in Afghanistan last year. He suffered a ruptured spleen, damaged to his knee caps, a fractured shoulder, verterbra, pelvis, hip and legs when his armoured vehicle was blown up by a roadside explosive device known as an IED.
The 21-year-old said: “Help for Heroes is a really good cause, they’ve helped me a lot since I got back from Afghanistan.”
Two local golf clubs have already signed up to the event, Hart Common Golf Club in Westhoughton, and the Dunscar Club in Bromley Cross, but Aaron is appealing for more to join.
“We want to say a big thank you to the two clubs that have already signed up. But there are other lads from around here who have been injured and the more clubs we can involved from the local area, the better.” he added.
A keen golfer, Aaron has been using the sport to aid his rehabilitation.
He said: “I’ve been getting out on the course as much as I can. The swing is good for my back and shoulders.” He has also been invited to attend a clinic by Sam Torrance at the world-famous Belfry course in April to help improve his technique.
The National Challenge event has several patrons including, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sam Torrance and Gary Lineker, and has even received a message of support from the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus.
Mr Jeffries said: “I’m delighted it’s been so well received by golf clubs and the industry alike.”
The event takes place at clubs across the country on July 24 and 25. The top six performing clubs will then each send a 10-man team for the grand final at the Belfry on October 12 and 13. The winning team will receive the ‘Lee Westwood Cup’ and 7 nights at the 5-star Taba Heights Marriott resort in Egypt with runners-up prizes of other trips to golfing resorts.
* Any clubs wishing to get involved can do so at golfclubchallnege.com
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