Raising money for MS through golf
I was diagnosed with MS in July 2020, not the best lockdown surprise!
I've been ‘sporty’ all my life. I was a PE teacher and played many sports including tennis to County standard.
When I retired from teaching in 2012, I decided to hang up my racquet and pick up a golf club for the first time. It’s the most frustrating sport I've ever tried. But I stuck with it and enjoy both playing and the social side of the club. In 2016 I was made Lady Captain, which was quite a challenge in itself.
Challenging my MS for good
MS has affected my right leg so it's become much weaker. Walking any distance is a challenge. But I can just about walk nine holes at my golf club. I hadn’t walked 18 holes since my diagnosis. The course is pretty hilly and so I use a buggy to complete 18 holes. I continue to play competitive golf and play regularly throughout the year. Winter months are more difficult as buggies are banned in slippery conditions, so then I walk nine holes.
Last year the captains’ charity was the MS Society. I wanted to do something to raise money, but wasn’t sure what. I decided to walk the 18 holes and get sponsors. Everyone was very supportive and encouraging. I asked people to sponsor me personally and I set up a Just Giving page. I’m very grateful to everyone who sponsored or donated money. I wasn’t sure I could do this challenge, but I was determined to get around no matter how long it took me.
The day I walked 18 holes
Tuesday 6 September was the day. I was lucky that, apart from a little light rain to start with, it stayed dry. I was accompanied by the Lady Captain and two other fellow golfers. They were great! They kept me motivated and provided a lot of encouragement.
The President of the club joined us on the fourth tee. Another lady member walked with us for five holes too. We were given damson gin, cookies and flapjacks on the way, just to keep me going!
Knowing that I was raising a good amount for the MS Society was really motivational. As I limped up to the eighteenth green, I was relieved to have completed the round.
With the inclusion of Gift Aid, I've raised over £1700. I'm delighted to have done this challenge and raised money to help stop MS.
