GOLFERS sent fundraising efforts skywards after hitting the fairways for a good cause.
Scores of players pitched up at Blackwell Golf Club, Darlington, for the 15th annual Heritage Healthcare Charity Golf Day.
For the past 14 years, director Sally Pickersgill has organised the day to support the work of St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington, hospice.
This year the event raised close to £13,000 bringing the event’s running total to almost £200,000.
Mrs Pickersgill and Landteam boss Adrian Spier decided to launch the initiative in 2002 because St Teresa’s had no in-patient beds and people had to travel out of the area for anything other than hospice day care.
The latest fundraiser will help St Teresa’s Hospice to continue offering peerless facilities and services for people from Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire, which costs around £2.7m a year to run.
The competition was won this year by Advanced Vehicle Leasing, of Middlesbrough, with its team comprising Clarke Beagrie, Stuart Beagrie, Kristofer York, Eddie Hides.
Managing director Stuart said: “Although we have entered a team in the St Teresa’s Charity Golf event before this is the first time that I have personally been able to play.
“I’m delighted to have won, it’s been a great day and helps raise funds for a wonderful charity.”
Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “This event has been going strong now for 15 years and has now raised close to an incredible £200,000.
“Initially St Teresa’s asked for help to fund an in-patient unit in Darlington, then to help provide expert counselling for bereaved children in our family support unit and a dedicated annex for therapeutic and counselling sessions.
“Then we asked for help to create a purpose built in-patient unit at The Woodlands – and I am absolutely delighted to say that, due to the continued support of people, we have achieved all of the above.
“I want to say a massive thank you to Sally, Glenn and Heritage Healthcare, all of the prize-givers, sponsors and players for their unwavering support.”