Charity champs on tee again

Oct 9 2008 by Golf North East

GOLFERS have swung into action to help boost a North East charity. Now into its eleventh year, the Chloe Brown Golf Day has been staged at Thirsk and Northallerton Golf Club with the Clic Sargent Cancer Care for Children charity benefiting from another substantial donation.

So far, the 11 golf days have raised almost £20,000 - but back in the late 1990s, little did Chloe's family know that they were going to be instrumental in launching a major fundraising event, which has literally snowballed.

Chloe's grandfather, Des Brown, explained: "In August 1997, our granddaughter was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer which was growing on her right cheekbone. Chloe was only 21-months-old at the time and following four months of unsuccessful chemotherapy, she had to have the cheekbone removed and her face rebuilt.

"Whilst she was in the RVI in Newcastle, my wife Hazel and other members of our family decided we would raise a few pounds to buy some toys etc for the ward. Initially we held raffles and tombolas in a local country and western club and were amazed at the generosity of people."

At that time, keen cyclist Paul Mackintosh decided to help and was instrumental in launching the Stokesley Cycle Ride - and what was meant to be a one-off event, raised £3700 for the charity set up in Chloe's name.

Des added: "The money was coming in at such a rate that we had to give the charity a name and the Chloe Brown RVI Appeal Fund came into existence.

"Some of her relations including myself played golf at one club or another and we decided that a golf day would benefit the charity. The Chloe Brown Golf Day came into existence in September 1998, initially played at Romanby Golf Club, then Billingham Golf Club and for the last five years at Thirsk and Northallerton.

"The 11 golf days have now raised £19,500 and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed over the years."

This year's event attracted 97 players including 29 local members who all enjoyed a great day at Thirsk and Northallerton.

As for the Stokesley Cycle Ride, Paul and his pals have continued the event with the money raised going to local charities that have specific needs and never on administrative costs.

The cyclists have gone on to generate a massive £92,000 for various charities with sponsored rides around Britain and Europe.