End of life and palliative care charity, Sue Ryder has benefited to the tune of over £25,000 after a local golf captain dedicated his entire season of fundraising efforts to the cause.
David Donnelly, captain at the Bedfordshire Golf Club in Stagsden, chose Sue Ryder – which runs Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger – due to its “local presence for local people”, mainly from two main events covering the Captain’s Day umbrella.
“I was adamant that the charity I chose for my year as captain of the club was one with a local presence supporting local people. There is nothing more important than palliative and end of life care,” said David.
“It made my decision easy.”
David helped to raise a grand total of £25,127, which could fund up to 837 hours of expert care, and is money that will be used directly in the care of those who are in their final days, as well as to offer support for their families and loved ones.
David’s Captain’s Day event, attended and supported by club members, was followed by the Charity Captain’s Day in September 2025, which welcomed visiting players to Bedfordshire Golf Club, with local businesses also getting involved.
“The money will go a long way”
“I was fortunate to secure a main sponsor for my charity day, Gallagher Developments, and then all 18 holes were backed by businesses too”, explained David.
“I also hosted an auction featuring some fantastic lots, including five tickets for an international [rugby match] at Twickenham and two tickets donated by Bedford-born singer-songwriter, Tom Grennan to his concert, including guest passes.
“Everyone was so generous.”
Over 100 people took part in the charity day, with prizes for the winning team, the winning individual, the longest drive, and a ‘nearest the pin’ challenge.
“I am delighted with how much money I helped to raise.
“I feel overwhelmed by the support I received – not only from people at the fantastic club, but from Bedford businesses and the wider community. It’s clear that Sue Ryder is a much-loved charity that people are keen to support,” David adds.
Roisin Duggan, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, added: “We are blown away by the incredible amount raised through David’s year of captaincy.
“The money will go a long way in helping the charity provide its vital palliative and bereavement services, because no one should face death or grief alone.”
To find out more about organising your own fundraising event, contact the fundraising team via email at stjohns.events@sueryder.org or call 01767 642412.
To find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns.
