Annual golf day raises over £11,000 for learning disabled adults

An annual golf day hosted by award-winning hairdresser Andrew Collinge has this year raised £11,330 for learning disability charity Hft.

The golf day, held at the end of September at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, the venue of this year’s Open Championship, saw 10 teams of four take part, competing for first place and raising vital funds to support learning disabled adults to live the best life possible.

The day began with an 18-hole game of golf before the teams made their way inside the famous clubhouse for lunch and a prize-giving ceremony where the team from Naturen, an organic and natural ingredient supplier, was awarded first place.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the event which has been sponsored by a number of hairdressing companies such as L’Oreal, TIGI and Wella, alongside Andrew’s own brand, Collinge and Co.

Andrew said:

“The Hft golf day is always an enjoyable occasion, but more importantly it raises money for such a vital charity. We have been fortunate over the years to have wonderful supporters and sponsors, some of whom have played in every event since the inaugural one 20 years ago.

“It’s always pleasing to see everyone coming together at the end of the day, sharing stories and going home with the knowledge they have supported such a wonderful charity.”

The two-time British Hairdresser of the Year initially became aware of Hft as a teenager, when he participated in a sponsored fundraising walk in the Wirral. He also has a personal connection through his sister, Joanne, who has been supported by the charity for the past nine years in Cheshire.

Mandy Bunce, Hft’s Chair of Trustees, explains how important this day is for Hft:

“We are very privileged at Hft to support so many people with learning disabilities, all having different aspirations and ambitions. Many of these things require additional funding. For example, a BBQ and garden furniture at their home, going on an outing with friends or learning new skills that will help them in life. These are the things we take for granted every day but they are not so readily available for the people we support.

“I would like to extend a massive thank you to Andrew and the team at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club for organising and making the day so special. It is the determination of the Collinge family, to help and support adults with a learning disability, that has brought together so many enthusiastic and passionate people.

“Thank you to Wella for sponsoring the event. To all the golfers and supporters on the day, thank you for your fantastic spirit. And for those who have been coming and supporting for 20 years, you’re amazing.”

If you would like to support Hft and explore the charity’s fundraising opportunities, visit its website here: www.hft.org.uk/get-involved/.