“I have always been involved with sport from an early age, so when I became Lady Captain, I was fortunate to be able to choose a worthwhile charity to support. Many years ago, when our dad sadly passed away, myself, my brother and niece did a sponsored walk 16 miles and raised over £5,000. So, looking to push myself for a worthwhile cause is something I have always be prepared to do

Karen, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with a meningioma and for the past 7 years the support of brainstrust, including the arrival of the Brain Box she and my brother has received has been invaluable, not only the information, treatment and surgery she has had to go through. Karen has found her love of art as her therapy to help her cope with living with a brain tumour which she continues to do today and has raised over £3,000 from the sale of her painted cards before and after her surgery.

Given what Karen and Mike at the time were going through and being over 100 miles away it was difficult to know how to support them so hearing of brainstrust and the support they were being given was my catalyst to do a challenge.

At first, it was a thought I could achieve however people kept saying I would struggle and find it hard going – that was all I needed to set about doing it as my aches, pains and feeling sore would only last a day or two however this was nothing compared to what people with brain tumours go through.  From that the rest was history!

I spoke with the Golf Club Manager to sort a date and to check there were no clashes with the date, 10th June, which was Karen and Michaels wedding anniversary.

The day started at 5am with Mr Captain, Keith McQuuen and me playing the back 9 several times. There was just enough light to set off, and it was a little wet but that did not dampen our spirits.  I decided to play it as a Texas Scramble meaning we both teed off and then choose the best shot and both played from there and this continued until the ball was holed.

For the first 36 holes a buggy was used to ensure I could get around the 100 holes. One  memorable event from this day was as Keith was driving the buggy slowly past the ball not being used for this shot, I leaned over and next thing I knew I had fallen out the buggy!!!! I said Mr Captain had kicked me out.

As the day went on, the weather improved and the sun came out and I finished in glorious sunshine

Throughout the day I had Mr Vice Captain, Mike Clark, two friends Jane and Ross Coulthard and two juniors Rio and Aidan who played with me. I don’t think the juniors have ever played 18 holes of golf in 2 hours!

The support from Penwortham Golf Club and the members was brilliant. Members allowed me through and kindly gave me money enroute towards brainstrust, truly magnificent.

I would really encourage anyone looking to do an event to raise money for brainstrust to do it. Why? I felt I was fully supported by them and given how little funding they receive from the Government, the need for further research and treatment is essential. You never know when you may need their help and support.”

A huge thank you to Jane, everyone at Penwortham Golf Club, and all those who supported this incredible challenge. £2,554.50 was raised for brainstrust, helping us continue to support people and families affected by brain tumours.

We’re so grateful for everyone’s generosity and would encourage anyone inspired to take on their own challenge to get involved.  For ideas, or to find out more, contact fundraising@brainstrust.org.uk