GOLFERS in Chippenham swung into action during their annual Rotary Club Golf Classic where they raised over £10 000 Southmead Hospital Charity in Bristol and the Haemophilia Society.

Members of the Chippenham Rotary Club were assisted by representatives from both of the charities for a really successful golf day which took place on May 2, at the Manor House Golf Club in Castle Combe.

Both the charities are very personal to the Club’s President, Rev David Gray. In September 2016 he collapsed and was rushed to Southmead hospital in Bristol for emergency surgery on an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The Classic Golf event was in its 14th year and was well supported by around 100 golfers, numerous hole sponsors and an auction of some fabulous prize lots, including a champagne lunch at the Savoy in London and driving a range of Porsche cars at the Silverstone circuit.

David said, “I received wonderful care from everyone at Southmead, particularly the Intensive Care Unit. The inclusion of the Southmead Hospital Charity is a thank you for saving my life in 2016. The Haemophilia Society is the only UK wide charity for all those affected by bleeding disorders. The charity helps people with this diagnosis to lead fulfilling lives, make informed choices and to support and inspire others. We have a family friend whose son has haemophilia and this charity has done so much for him”. David also said, “Many thanks to Rick Squires and all his team for running a really successful event this year which raised such a large amount for the charities”.

David also undertook a “Tee Off Challenge” on the first hole at Castle Combe, as due to his reduced mobility he has not hit a ball on a golf course since his aneurysm in 2016. His social media campaign made over £660 and was part of the £10 000 raised.