The Durham County Golf Union has launched a fundraising campaign for local charity If U Care Share Foundation in memory of two Durham golfers.
Will Alexander (left) and David FerriesThe County Union has chosen to support the Chester-le-Street-based charity, which promotes mental health wellbeing and supports families affected by suicide, in memory of Will Alexander, who played at Eaglescliffe and Rockliffe Hall and represented the County boys team – and David “Fez” Ferries, a long serving member of South Shields Golf Club.
As part of the fundraising campaign, county secretary Jonathan Ward will take part in a pair of fundraising challenges in 2021. The first will see him aim to play one hole at each of the 44 courses in Durham County in one day, on Sunday June 20 (Fathers Day). The challenge is being supported by S.G. Petch Ltd, which will be supplying a car and driver for the 260-mile event. The challenge will start at 5am at Eaglescliffe and end at South Shields at approximately 9pm. Jonathan will also be running the Great North Run in September for the charity, while the County Union will also be running raffles and prize draws throughout the year.
Jonathan said: “Every year, Durham County Golf Union raises money for a different charity. In 2021, following the deaths of David – a close friend of mine for 25 years – and Will – a keen golfer and recent member of the County Boys team – we thought that supporting a local charity in their memory, and one which does great work locally to raise awareness of mental health and help prevent suicide, was really important.
“The golf challenge will be tough to complete in a day, but I’ve got a route planned out and some fantastic support lined up on the day. I’m looking forward to promoting the fundraising campaign around the county throughout the coming season at various county events, in order to support If U Care Share’s work in our region.”
To support the Durham County Golf Union and Jonathan’s fundraising efforts, go to www.durhamcountygolfunion.co.uk/charity where you’ll find a Total Giving link.
If U Care Share Foundation supports families who have lost members to suicide, and works to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of wellbeing through workshops and webinars for your people and sports teams – including the Durham County boys and girls squads. The charity also runs a 24-hour emergency message service for people in distress. For more information go to www.ifucareshare.co.uk
