2021 Calcot Charity Golf Day raises £21k

On Thursday 22^nd July, we held our first face-to-face fundraising event in almost two years.  30 teams totaling 120 players attended Calcot Park Golf Course for a day’s golf, BBQ, auction, and raffle.  The day raised £21,000.

The teams included ex-international footballers, Dave Beasant, Steve Coppell, Lawrie Sanchez, and Dave Bassett.

Lawrie Sanchez said ‘I have been very fortunate in my life and am always looking for ways to give back.  I attend a couple of golf days a year and was delighted to come along and support such a great cause.  It is also good to see my old teammate Dave Beasant here, so no competition there!’

Dave Bassett, ex England Manager said ‘I am so thrilled to be playing here today and supporting the charity.  I like to focus on children-related charities.  Coming to a day like this makes you realise the challenges that many families face and, having had a great life so far, it is a privilege to do my bit.’

Special guest Elvis aka Darren Boyce, ‘Elvis in Trouble’, set each team a ‘longest drive’ challenge on the first tee which raised an additional £600.  He proved very hard to beat on the day!

Auction items included signed football and rugby memorabilia, a top-of-the-range Range Rover and Jaguar for the weekend kindly donated by Jardines Motor Co. Reading, and Arsenal v Norwich tickets.  The total raised was a staggering £21,000. 

With his aim clearly set on the £1m target by December 2021, CEO Trevor Goodall said ‘it was a fantastic day, and I am so touched by the huge support from everyone.  The £1m feels like it could be a real possibility which, ten years ago, I would have never dreamed of. Behind New Life, there is a battery of enthusiastic supporters eager to challenge themselves physically and mentally to raise as much money as possible towards neonatal lifesaving equipment.  The support never ceases to amaze me.’ 

The charity has successfully raised £940,000 in sponsorship and donations since 1995 which it then awards as grants to neonatal units across the South of England and throughout the UK.  Without this specialist equipment, many premature babies would not receive the care and start in life that they so desperately need.