Heaton Moor Golf Club Captain Michael Connor and his wife Lady Captain Laura Roberts are combining their Captain’s Charity in their year in office.
Laura said: “We are supporting The Katie Thorburn Foundation as our charity throughout our year in office.
“It is named after the daughter Katie of club members Andy and Jenny Thorburn, who died from a rare form of cancer aged just 16.
“Before she died she wanted to raise £100,000 for four children’s Cancer Charities and we want to help her reach that goal
“The charities are: Young Lives v Cancer (previously CLIC Sargent), When you wish upon a star, Little Princess Trust and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Ward 86 (was Ward 84).”
The first big fund-raising event was a Golf Day given great support by members, friends and visitors who enjoyed playing in teams of four (any formation) and there was plenty of action throughout the sunny day on the course and in the clubhouse.
Laura said: “It was a great day- even more than we would have hoped for.
“The sun shone and whilst the ground remained soft it didn’t stop all the players having a fabulous time on all 18 holes.
The emphasis of the golf competition was fun and that certainly happened. Having to putt through a toilet seat on the 18th needs to be seen in action and the nearest the gin was a great alternative to pin.
“The clubhouse was packed with many members coming down for the afternoon along with old school friends, neighbours and teachers- the atmosphere was incredible.
“Tony Grimes was the MC and ran the auction brilliantly. The prizes were tremendous and some bidders were so excited that they bid against themselves.
“In total from the green fees, cakes, raffle and auction an unbelievable total of £15,00 was raised.
“Jenny and Andy have worked tirelessly for the last three months for this event.
“It was a day to remember that will stay in our memories for a long time and a fitting tribute to an amazing young woman whose life was cut short in her prime and I’m sure that she would be enormously proud of her parents, brother, family and friends for a fantastic day.”
Among those enjoying the day were Katie’s former school friends.
Katie’s friend Molly Ashby said: “Katie was a close friend and was so strong and selfless throughout her illness. It was important to for us to come and support the cause and help it get to the £100,000 target she set before she passed away in order to honour her and everything she worked towards.
“The charity was great in supporting Katie and her family and so we really wanted to raise money so they can continue to support patients and families affected by childhood cancer.
“Katie was always thinking about how to help others, even on her sickest days. She was incredibly funny and generous – and an incredible baker!
“The day went perfectly – the room was full, the cake table was full and people were extremely generous!”
The only team of four ladies was from Hazel Grove GC and their leader and Lady Vice Captain Barbara Allen said: “I met Andy and Jenny Thorburn who’d organised the golf day at Heaton Moor Golf Club, at a fundraising event that I’d organised in aid of Sarcoma Research and Francis House .
“Our team wanted to support The Young Lives v Cancer charity and we had a great day.”
Copy & images: Geoff Garnett
