A GOLFING family in St Austell has raised more than £5,000 for a charity close to their hearts.
St Austell Golf Club captain Ross Facey and his daughter, Genevieve, a junior golf club captain, have collected the total for Parkinson’s UK.
They set out to raise the money after Keith Napper, Ross’s father-in-law and Genevieve’s grandad, was diagnosed with the disease.
Keith, a keen lifelong golfer, was told he had the neurological condition, for which currently there is no cure, around three years ago.
Ross and Genevieve raised the money through various events ranging from a greenkeeper's revenge competition to a raffle and a pub games evening.
Ross said: “This was a cause really close to our hearts which meant we were able to put our heart and soul into organising some memorable events for our members whilst raising money and having a great time doing it.
“The support of our family, friends and the incredible membership at St Austell Golf Club has been truly humbling, and we are so grateful to them all.”
Genevieve said: “Grandad recently turned 80 and up until a couple of years ago when his condition worsened was still able to play a few holes of golf.
“He used to love playing with Dad and me. We have shared some lovely memories on the golf course.
“It was encouraging to recently read how various research projects have received funding to continue their good work through the charity. Hopefully, our support will go some way to continue funding this research and eventually finding a cure.”
Parkinson’s UK regional community fundraiser Karen Safe said: “We are so grateful to Ross and Genevieve for their fundraising efforts for Parkinson’s UK.
“The chances are if you are a golf club member, you know someone living with Parkinson’s. “We need to be there for everyone with Parkinson’s. And we can’t do it without the support of clubs like St Austell Golf Club. Their support means we can respond to what our community needs right now.”