A Gift from Pleasington Golf Club
Pleasington Golf Club awarded East Lancashire Hospice a cheque for £9851 on Saturday 21st January 2023 but decided that wasn’t enough, raising it to £10,000 on the night with further donations from club members.
Captain John Covill and Lady Captain Christine Darling presented the cheque to Marketing Co-ordinator, Gabrielle Williamson, after choosing East Lancashire Hospice as their chosen charity for their year as Captains of the Golf Club.
“We thought about it carefully. We wanted to choose a charity where we knew the funds raised would go directly back to the hospice. Both John and I knew the hospice was a worthy cause.” Christine explained. A Pleasington Golf Club member for over 23 years, Christine also supports the East Lancashire Hospice Lottery and keeps a loose change box to raise money regularly.
John Covill is Managing Director of Blackburn Chemicals, whilst Christine is now retired. Together they planned a range of events to raise funds for the hospice including their Christmas Fayre; the Captains’ Charity Day with Auctioned prizes; Charity Day competitions, and a Nearest the Pin on Captains’ Day.
Perhaps the favourite was the Jumper Day, where John confessed people were fined for wearing a jumper - or not wearing a jumper, or wearing the wrong jumper. In fact for any reason at all, members were issued jumper-related fines and to make a donation in order to support the hospice.
“People didn’t mind, they knew where the money was going. We are all so pleased to raise such a fantastic amount, especially in these times. It is getting harder and harder to raise funds in this climate and are incredibly proud of everyone for supporting the charity this year.” Christine explained.
Gabrielle Williamson from East Lancashire Hospice who collected the cheque commented; “The amount raised is unbelievable and will help to make a real difference to patient care. We need £4 million per year to care for patients at end of life, and those with life limiting illnesses, supporting them in their home as well as at East Lancashire Hospice that they may make the most of life. Our sincere thanks go to both John and Christine for choosing East Lancashire Hospice as their chosen charity.”