A LEICESTER golf club has selected a mental health charity for its fundraising this year, after the lives of its two captains were affected by depression and mental illness.
Scraptoft Golf Club has selected the Lamp (Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project) mental health charity as its charity of the year for 2022.
The club, which boasts a long and distinguished history of nearly 100 years and has some 500 members, will partner with the charity to raise funds for, and awareness of the support available through Lamp for people with mental health concerns who require advocacy.
The fundraising year began at the Club’s Captains Drive-in where Chris Fawcett, the Men’s Captain and Cathryn Hoyland, the Lady Captain, took part in a drive-in ceremony when money was raised from a driving off the tee competition. It is tradition for the captains to choose a fancy dress theme and on that occasion the captains felt it was appropriate to give recognition and thanks to the NHS for the wonderful work it has done throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Both Chris and I have been directly affected by the impact of depression and mental illness on a family member and were keen to support a locally-based charity which provides help to those in need, along with their family members,” revealed Ms Hoyland.
“We want to encourage our members to talk about mental health because by having conversations and listening, you can create an opportunity to motivate someone to seek help if needed.”
The flagship event in the 2022 schedule of fundraisers is the Scraptoft Queen’s Platinum Jubilee tournament which will take place on Friday, June 3. The Club will host 42 teams of four players in each team and the event will be open to members of the club and the public. In addition, businesses will be offered the opportunity to exclusively sponsor any of the 18 holes. The day’s festivities and fundraising activities will also include a raffle and a sweep. All the proceeds of the day will be donated to LAMP.
There will be other events throughout the year and Scraptoft Golf Club will continue work with Lamp throughout 2022 to raise awareness of mental health issues and the impact on those who are affected and their families. Club members and their loved ones can reach out the charity for support when they need to.
“Supporting local causes is hugely important to Scraptoft Golf Club and the funds we raise for our charity of the year will enable us to continue supporting the health of Leicestershire’s communities at such a critical time,” said Mr Fawcett.
“Golf is also a great sport that provides an opportunity for people to talk about their mental health with others.”
To find out more, or to get involved, visit: https://www.scraptoftgolfclub.co.uk/
