2006 | June | 23rd - Swindon Advertiser

David's in the swing to help children's charity

DAVID Howell passed on some expert golfing tips to some of Swindon's poorly youngsters as he launched a children's charity's 13th annual golf day at Wrag Barn in Highworth.

The Broome Manor swinger, who recently broke into the world's top 10, got the competition underway in his new role as patron of the Swindon-based charity Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM).

"I've become a patron of CALM through tragic circumstances really as my best friend's wife passed away with leukaemia last year and that brought me into contact with her family, who have become part of the CALM family," David said.

"I'm delighted I was able to help out on the day and we're fortunate that we have got a bit of press coverage for what is a great Swindon-based charity."

Twenty three teams of four teed off for a nine-hole Texas Scramble event in the morning, which was followed by an 18-hole Stableford competition in the afternoon.

And the level of support shown to the charity on the day delighted CALM committee member and organiser, Jackie Lambeth, whose daughter Gemma died of leukaemia last year.

"We are absolutely delighted that David has agreed to be our patron," she said.

"He has supported us greatly by coming here, but also with the amount of items he has given us for auction.

"We have four Masters flags signed by David, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald and Retief Goosen and David has also donated an hour's lesson with himself."

Among the teams taking part in the golf day were Chantel's Bobbies.

The team was entered by John Boland, whose grand-daughter Chantel Boland, died at home with her family in Highworth on April 13.

She was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in October 2004, a cancerous tumour of the brain.

Chantel's mum, Hayley, said: "This is the first time John has taken part. He organised the team in memory of Chantel and it's great to see the event so well supported.

"I think everyone is having a good day and these events are so important to CALM because is helps to raise awareness of the charity, while at the same time raising money to help other children."

Mayor of Swindon, Coun Mike Bawden, got the golf balls rolling in the afternoon's competition, while the Swindon De Vere Hotel was the event's main sponsor this year.

The hotel provided an excellent first prize of a round of golf for four with lunch at the famous Belfry golf course.

There are also a number of smaller competitions including target golf and plenty of prize-winning opportunities.

In the evening there was a prize draw and auction.

CALM has continued to provide much-needed convalescent breaks in two seaside caravans, as well as organising coach trips and social gatherings.

The charity, which has about 20 children on treatment for cancer or leukaemia at present, is currently working on a project to build a CALM garden in Swindon, as a memorial to all the CALM children that have sadly passed away since the charity was founded.

It is also organising a family fun day at Lydiard Park on Saturday, September 2. The event will be centred on an It's A Knockout theme.

9:13am Friday 23rd June 2006

Article originally from SwindonAdvertiser.co.uk