A GRANDMOTHER took to the fairway with a marathon three day sporting challenge and raised £7,000 in support of the NSPCC.
Roz Smart from Long Compton played six rounds of golf at six different courses over three consecutive days in March, accompanied by her husband and caddy Graham, aged 84.
Roz’s challenge saw her play golf clubs in Burford and Witney Lakes, Naunton Downs and Broadway, Feldon Valley and Wychwood in just three days to raise vital funds for the children’s charity.
Roz said she felt compelled to support the NSPCC after recent news stories about abuse and neglect.
“At the age of 70, I felt I must try and do something to raise money to help the NSPCC continue its vital work.
Charities come and go but the NSPCC is enduring, tackling seemingly an ongoing problem of child neglect and abuse, being reliant on donations which in the present time are being thinly stretched over various causes.
“I would like to thank The Wychwood, Naunton Downs, Feldon Valley, Burford, Broadway and Witney Lakes Golf Clubs for their support without which this challenge would have been impossible. Many, many thanks to family, friends and to everyone who so kindly donated – we can make a difference.”
The NSPCC will be bringing everyone in Warwickshire together this summer to have fun and to highlight child protection with Childhood Day next month, and is appealing for fund-raisers inspired by Roz and Graham, or who have a few hours spare to volunteer with collections across the region, to sign up.
Childhood Day, on June 10, is the NSPCC’s landmark charity day where families, friends and colleagues celebrate childhood by organising events to raise money and help keep children safe.
Barbara Elsey, community fund-raising manager for Warwickshire, says: “Roz and Graham are both incredible local heroes for raising over £7,000 for the NSPCC, which is an amazing accomplishment. They also show that fundraising can be fun and be about doing the things people enjoy, which is what Childhood Day is all about.
“Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 4,574 referrals to agencies in the Midlands about child abuse and neglect concerns; an average of almost 13 referrals a day. With the support of local people here in Warwickshire, we can take action against child abuse, and raise funds to ensure young people always have someone to turn to.”
Visit www.nspcc.org.uk/childhoodday for more information.
