‘A beautiful and humbling experience’: Man with MS hosts golfing day fundraiser raising more than £30K for charity
A man who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 13 years ago hosted a golfing day to raise money for the charities which support those affected.
Richard Minns lives in South Croydon, around the corner from Addington Palace Golf Club, where he hosted the fundraiser on June 21.
Mr Minns said: “We had 89 people turn up. We started the day with bacon rolls and coffee before heading off to play golf.
“I set everyone some challenges to raise money – everyone had a £5 fine if they went into a bunker but if they took out ‘Minns insurance’ for £20 they were free of all fines.”
After the games, the group enjoyed cold refreshments, entertainment and presentations announcing the winners of the tournament before the group sat down for dinner.
Mr Minns said: “After dinner we had speeches, a comedian and auctioneers who sold things like centre court tickets at Wimbledon and a signed guitar by Paul Weller.”
Throughout the day’s challenges and donations, Mr Minns raised £31,600, which will be split between the Ryan Neuro Therapy Centre charity and the MS Society.
Mark Haymes, head of community events fundraising at the MS Society said: “Without the hard work and dedication of our amazing supporters like Richard, our vital work simply wouldn’t be possible.”
The two charities Mr Minns will support represent two different goals.
He said: “The first part is we need to find a cure for this – there is no cure for either type of MS – recurring relapsing and primary progression.
“Until that happens there are places like Ryan Neuro therapy centre, which are run on a shoestring but serve the whole community.”
MS can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a range of potential symptoms including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It is a life-long condition that can sometimes cause serious disability.
More than 150,000 people in the UK live with MS, with 135 diagnosed each week.
Looking back on the day, Mr Minns described the fundraiser as a “beautiful” and “humbling” experience.
He said: “When I came up with the idea I thought I would raise maybe three or four grand but with the help from my friends and family who have supported me all the way it’s been terrific.
“Where there is a will there’s a way, you should never give in.”
Pictured top: Richard Minns’ golf day fundraiser at Addington Palace Golf Club (Picture: Richard Minns)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
