SIMPLY TEE-RIFIC – an annual Michael Sobell Hospice charity golf day at Sandy Lodge Golf Club has raised a record-breaking £69,236 in its 20th anniversary year.
24 teams took part in Michael Sobell Hospice Charity annual Golf Day held in June, with local businesses lending their support by sponsoring a hole or an auction prize.
Long term supporter of Michael Sobell Hospice, and Sandy Lodge Golf Club member, Pam Montgomery, explained how the first event got started: “It never occurred to me when I originally asked Sandy Lodge Golf Club – of which I was, and still am a member – if they would consider holding a charity golf day on behalf of Michael Sobell House (as it was then), that it would be anything other than a one-off event. That it has now celebrated its 20th anniversary, and remains such a popular event each year, just amazes me.
“When I add that these days have so far raised well in excess of half a million pounds to benefit Michael Sobell Hospice, these events have been, and still remain, a great success.”
Pam’s involvement with the Hospice dates back to 1982 when she became a volunteer “trolley-dolly” pushing the evening hot drinks’ trolley around the inpatient unit. Then in 1986, Pam was invited to become a Trustee and quickly “felt at home” organising fundraising events. Pam retired in 2018, and since then as an Honorary Trustee, she has retained close links with the Hospice for which she has high regard as well as still being involved with the Golf Day.
But it was in the year 2000 that Pam thought it must be possible to draw together the two elements that played a big part in her life – Pam’s association with the Hospice and her love of golf which she has played since the age of 17 – to raise much needed funds to support Michael Sobell Hospice.
Commenting on being part of the annual golf day fundraiser, for an incredible 20 years, Pam explained: “I think it’s fair to say that the event has almost become a club within a club. If the buzz and atmosphere this year is anything to go by, I think the golf day may well continue for many more years to come – provided of course that those who are running the event are happy to continue. AND that Sandy Lodge Golf Club, of which I’m so proud, is able to continue its high standard of commitment and involvement with Michael Sobell Hospice.
“For me, I think it’s just wonderful that sport can really be seen to make a difference and I thank everyone who has made this a reality. Whether organising or playing, sponsoring, or donating, your support over the years has been fantastic,” she added.
Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, Head of Charity, Linda Moore, commented: “Our sincere thanks go to the small committee, led by Mark Golinsky, who have shown such commitment to planning and organising this event so successfully since 2010 when Pam stood down, AND to Sandy Lodge Golf Club, its members, and staff, and all the local businesses who have supported the golf day over the years, for so warmly embracing the event since its inception in 2002. Without this valuable support we would not be able to offer the highest standards of care to our patients and those who rely on the services of Michael Sobell Hospice.”
For more information, contact the fundraising team at fundraising@michaelsobellhospice.org or by calling 020 3909 0446.
