Carden Park’s Annual Captains Charity Day

On the 6th of August, the Championship Nicklaus Golf Course at Carden Park became the backdrop for the annual Captains Charity Day, a highlight of the club’s calendar. This year, the event was spearheaded by Male Captain Mark Hughes and Female Captain Christina Barker, who together rallied the Carden Park community to raise funds for their chosen charity, Meningitis Now.

The Golf Captains Chosen Charity

The charity Meningitis Now holds a special significance for Captain Mark Hughes, whose family has been personally affected by this life-threatening disease. Each year, Meningitis affects an estimated 8,000 people in the UK, many of whom are children and teenagers. The charity provides crucial support to those impacted by the illness, offering resources, guidance, and a compassionate community for those navigating the aftermath of this devastating disease.

Mark and Christina’s dedication to this cause shone through in every aspect of the Captains Charity Event, reflecting their heart-felt commitment to making a difference through their fundraising efforts. To read more about this years fundraising cause and for any donations: click here.

The Captains Charity Day’s Highlights

The day began with a shotgun start, bringing 104 players onto the golf course with a joyful competitive spirit. The weather was perfect, and the camaraderie on the greens set the tone for what would become a memorable event. The competition was close, but it was the team of Captain Mark Hughes, Garry Houston, David Frankland, and Wayne Maddocks who emerged victorious. Aptly named “Houston, We Have Lift Off,” they clinched the top spot with an impressive score of 107 points, winning by a narrow margin of three points.

After the excitement on the course, 125 guests gathered in The Carden Suite for a delicious formal dinner prepared by Executive Chef Graham Tinsley MBE followed by a charity auction. The evening was a testament to the generosity and community spirit of Carden Park’s golf members and guests. With a variety of enticing auction items and raffle prizes, the bidding was lively.

A special thanks goes to golf member Anne Jones for her outstanding efforts in organizing the raffle, which featured beautiful hampers and a range of exciting prizes. Among the most coveted items were a Porsche golf bag, a year’s supply of Cheshire Farm’s Ice Cream, and exhilarating driving experiences, generously donated by sponsors and supporters of the event.

A Remarkable Fundraising Achievement

The day’s efforts culminated in an impressive sum of £15,200 raised for Meningitis Now. This amount will be added to the ongoing donations collected throughout the year, with fundraising continuing until March 2025. The Captains Charity Day marked the biggest fundraising push of the year, setting a high benchmark for the remaining months.

Mark Hughes and Christina Barker expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and contributed to the day’s success. Their shared hope is to continue raising as much as possible for Meningitis Now, ensuring that the charity can continue its vital work supporting those affected by this life-altering disease. As the year progresses, the Captains and Carden Park look forward to building on this momentum, with the shared goal of making a meaningful difference.