Golf club raises over £5,000

The captain of a West Sussex golf club for 2023/24 chose us as the club's charity of the year due to a family connection.

Keven from Hill Barn Golf Club in Worthing, has a family link to our charity as we have supported his father Les since he lost his sight in 2014. During his year as captain, they raised over £5,000 for our charity. 

Blind veteran Les

Keven's father, Les, who is now 91, served in the Royal Air Force between 1950 and 1955 and again between 1957 and 1977 when he was discharged as a chief tech.

During his service, Les served in the UK, Germany, Cyprus and the Middle East on bomber radar and flight simulators.

Les lost his sight later in life due to macular degeneration. Keven says:

“It has been the connection through dad that made this fundraising personal to me. It has been intense and hard work, but the generosity of the members at Hill Barn has been amazing."

Support for Les

Of the support we've provided to his father, Keven says:

“Blind Veterans UK has helped my dad over the years with a variety of equipment that has helped him to maintain his independence.

“This includes a magnifier, a machine which measures out one cup and allows dad to make his own tea and coffee and an iPad with software so that he can read his emails.

“He’s also enjoyed stays at the charity’s centres in Rustington and Llandudno, these stays are his holiday and if it wasn’t for these opportunities he wouldn’t get away.”

Fundraising

Throughout his year as captain of Hill Barn Golf Club, Keven led the fundraising efforts with a variety of events and competitions. These included raffles, music nights, BBQs and sweepstakes during major golfing competitions.

As a result of his efforts, Keven presented us with a cheque for £5,720 during a recent visit to our Centre of Wellbeing at Rustington. His father Les was at the centre enjoying a week-long stay. Les says:

“What Keven has done is wonderful.”

Accepting this amazing donation, Centre Manager at Rustington, Lesley, says:

“Huge thanks go to Keven and everyone at Hill Barn Golf Club for raising this amazing amount of money for the centre.

“We were delighted to welcome Keven and Les to our lovely new centre so they could see where Hill Barn Golf Club members’ generosity will be spent.”