Goodwood golfers raise money for vital hospice

A HOSPICE which cares for children in their final days has benefited from the generosity of golfers.
Chestnut Tree House chief executive Hugh Lowson, and Stuart Gillett, from Goodwood, with club professional Chris McDonnell dressed as course designer James BraidChestnut Tree House chief executive Hugh Lowson, and Stuart Gillett, from Goodwood, with club professional Chris McDonnell dressed as course designer James Braid
Chestnut Tree House chief executive Hugh Lowson, and Stuart Gillett, from Goodwood, with club professional Chris McDonnell dressed as course designer James Braid

Goodwood, in West Sussex, hosted a charity day for Arundel’s Chestnut Tree House, which was a huge success.

Through a combination of entries, an auction and some very generous donations, the day raised a total of £8,135.

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Teams of four headed out for a round on the renowned James Braid-designed South Downs course, with prizes awarded to the top two team stableford scores, and top three individual stableford scores.

Adding another competitive element was a Beat James Braid challenge, which entailed players using hickory clubs and attempting to hit the ball closer to the first hole than Goodwood’s professional, who was dressed as the legendary course architect.

After a fine round, it was the team of Ian Will, Angie Martin, Richard Martin and Paul Porter who returned triumphant, posting an impressive score of 98 points between them.

Hugh Lowson, chief executive of Chestnut Tree House, said; ‘Goodwood has held many initiatives that have helped Chestnut Tree House, choosing us as the charity for the Festival of Speed and Revival, as well as hosting this golf day for the second time.

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‘I really enjoyed the day, playing alongside Joe Sykes, who at the age of 12 plays phenomenally well. But I think my own game has room for improvement.

‘The course is playing well and the views are spectacular.’

Chestnut Tree House opened 13 years ago and during that time staff have helped more than 1,000 children.

Currently, they are helping 300 children aged from a couple of days up to 24 years, providing care in the main house itself in the form of overnight stays, respite care and, where appropriate, end of life care too.

There are a team of 35 people who provide care for families in their own homes.

Stuart Gillett, from Goodwood, said; ‘Our charity golf day is always very well supported. We are delighted to have been raising money for Chestnut Tree House for the second year.’