Golfers are getting in the swing to raise funds for Broughton House Veteran Care Village after their newly-appointed club captain chose it as his charity of the year.
Paul Walsh, aged 50, has just taken up the role at Prestwich Golf Club in Greater Manchester and has already teed up several fundraising events for Broughton House, which is in neighbouring Salford.
Financial adviser Paul, who lives in Sunnybank, Bury, said he hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the care village during his year in office.
“I wanted to choose a local organisation as my captain’s charity for the year, and Broughton House is less than a mile away from the club as the crow flies,” he said.
“It’s a charity which resonates with many of our members. A number of them served in the army, the RAF and the Merchant Navy. Others have known friends and family who have lived at Broughton House.
“It’s a great place and an important charity, as it helps not just veterans who live there but also those living in the community, through its support hub. Judging by the response I’ve had so far, everyone at the club is really behind it.”
The first fundraiser at the club will be a charity golf day on Friday, June 2 and this will be followed on Thursday, June 22 with an event coinciding with Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot. It will take place at the club from 12.30pm and will feature drinks and cocktails, an afternoon tea buffet, activities and a raffle. People attending are asked dress up for the occasion.
The Captain’s Away Day at Wallasey in July and a golf event on Remembrance Sunday will raise further funds.
In addition, golfers whose balls end up in the bunker at the 18th green will have to pay a small ‘fine’, with the proceeds going to Broughton House.
Paul took up golf at the age of eight and plays off a handicap of three. He was vice-captain of Prestwich Golf Club last year. His mixed doubles playing partner is Jean Nutter, mother of award-winning celebrity chef Andrew, who was a schoolfriend of Paul.
The club is currently on a recruitment drive for members and anyone interested in joining or attending the charity events is asked to get in touch via info@prestwichgolf.co.uk.
Broughton House has been redeveloped in a £12.5m scheme to create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village and is currently welcoming new residents.
It has been transformed into a modern complex featuring a 64-bed care home and independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum and the Armed Forces Support Hub, which provides welfare support and counselling for ex-service people of all ages living in the local community
Jack Stephenson, marketing coordinator at Broughton House, said:
“We are very grateful to Paul for choosing to support our home during his year as Prestwich Golf Club captain. Donations and support from the local community are vital to us. Paul has some fantastic ideas for fundraising, and we can’t wait to see how everything turns out.”
