Seaton Carew Golf Club’s annual charity golf day has raised a fantastic £7,700 this year for hospital patients receiving palliative care.
Held each year, the golf day was founded by 80 year-old Ian Phillips and Ian Docherty, who has since sadly died, more than 30 years ago. To date, the event has raised almost £90,000 for our palliative care service.
Seaton Carew Golf Club’s event receives regular donations from a variety of generous attendees. And this year, the charitable donation was given a boost by golf captain Dave Turner – he raised money throughout the last year by holding social days, raffles and other events.
Golf day organiser, Ian Phillips, said: “I would like to thank the club, committee and local businesses for contributing to the success of this event for all these years.
“I always look forward to the date in my calendar, it highlights the generosity of our local population and I can’t wait to host more in the future.”
The specialist palliative care team at the Trust specialises in helping patients, their relatives and carers. They provide expert advice, guidance and support to those who have progressive and life-limiting illness.
Virtual reality in palliative care
Thanks to the latest generous donation from the golf club, the team can now buy a virtual reality (VR) machine. It gives patients receiving end of life care the opportunity to experience guided meditation and walks in serene environments such as rainforests and oceans – within their own home, clinics or hospital.
Zoe Booth is palliative care lead at the Trust. She said: “We have seen a reduction in the stress and anxiety caused by cancer due to this VR machine. It not only works to lower the patient’s perception of pain but also reduces blood pressure.
“The feedback so far has been amazing and we’re keen to pioneer the benefits of this technology to oncology departments far and wide. Thank you to Seaton Carew Golf Club for making this possible.”
Fundraising coordinator, Suzi Campbell, commented: “It was a pleasure to meet with Ian, Dave and the committee to celebrate all their hard work.
“Next year we’re hoping to bring the VR machine to the golf day so that fundraisers can experience the impact they have had on our patients.”
For more information on how to support North Tees and Hartlepool Together, visit our charity page.