Golf Care was delighted to be the headline sponsor of George
Blackshaw’s Charity Golf Day, helping to raise £15,561 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and REACH.
The event took place on Thursday 4th July 2024 at Delamere Forest Golf Club in Cheshire and was attended by nearly 100 golfers competing in separate four-balls. It was the second of its kind, after the first event in 2023 was a huge success, raising more than £18,000 for charity.
Golf Care ambassador George Blackshaw, also known as The Amputee Golfer, is a double amputee with a passion for golf.
When he was just 15 months old, George was involved in a
lawnmower accident, which resulted in the loss of his right arm and right leg.
After the accident, George spent several weeks at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital receiving urgent care, which has inspired him to give back through charity initiatives.
George said: “Over the last few years, golf has given me some incredible experiences, and so I thought there was nothing more appropriate than to run a charity golf day to raise funds for two charities that have been so important to me growing up.”
The second chosen charity, REACH, is the UK’s leading charity for children and young people with upper limb differences.
George added: “I simply would not be where I am today
without the support that Alder Hey gave to me when I was younger. Attending a
number of weekends away with REACH also helped me to normalise my disability by
seeing other children with similar disabilities to me.”
Growing up, George always remained determined to overcome any challenges he faced, with sport playing a huge role in his life.
He played football and tennis for many years, including
stints playing for both Manchester City and Everton disability football teams,
before discovering his passion for golf.
George now posts regular content online showcasing what it’s
like to play golf with a disability and often challenges non-amputees to try
his one-handed golf swing. Recent participants include boxer Tony Bellew and
Premier League footballer Matty Cash.
John Woosey, founder and managing director of Golf Care, took part in George’s charity golf day in a four-ball team alongside Paul Madeira, Jonny Whittaker, and former professional footballer Paul Dickov.
John said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be involved in
and support George’s charity day. For George to have been through so much at
such a young age but to have not let it hold him back from pursuing his love
for golf is admirable.
“George is a fantastic ambassador not just for disability
golf but for golf in general. He is an inspiration to all of us.”
There were some exciting prizes dished out as part of the official event raffle and auction on the day, too, including a four-ball on the Championship Course at the Macdonald Portal Golf & Spa Resort, courtesy of Golf Care.
Other prizes included a signed Tyrell Hatton shirt, a Bushnell GPS watch, and a £200 Castore voucher.
George added: “I’m so grateful to Golf Care for the support
they have shown me and my charity day. Everyone had a great day, playing and
raising money for important causes in the process, which is what it’s all
about. I hope we can all get together to do it again next year.”
Follow George on Instagram at @theamputeegolfer to see more about his journey as a disability golfer.
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