Essex-based Rochford Rotary organised a successful golf day to support the charity ‘Take Heart – Southend’.
The cardiac support group, which serves Rochford, Castle Point and Southend, works with those affected by cardiac problems, whether a patient, carer or family member.
Not only was the charity the main beneficiary from the £3,900 raised on the day, but the ‘Take Heart Lads’ also won the team competition under the captaincy of Paul Halley, Chairman of ‘Take Heart – Southend’.
The event staged at Rochford Hundred Golf Club should have been held in June, but had to be cancelled because of the pandemic and was rearranged for the autumn.
The format of the tournament had to be changed to comply with all Government restrictions to minimise the spread of the virus. Despite this, a record number of teams entered and, regrettably, some had to be turned away.
“As usual, there was an amazing response from our sponsors, despite the difficult circumstances which most businesses have experienced this year,” said Rotary club President, Peter Mannering.
“The Rotary club is really very grateful for grateful to everyone who supported us so generously.”
In Kent, Folkestone Channel Rotary enjoyed similarly perfect conditions to host their Channel Triathlon.
This was the third staging of the multi-discipline sporting event which attracted 120 athletes, with the competition designed to comply with COVID-19 guidance. It also received approval from the British Triathlon Federation.
The Rotary club is hoping to have raised around £10,000 from the triathlon, which will be shared between South Kent Mind and the Shepway Sport Trust’s mental health initiative.
Joe Sullivan, the Folkestone Channel Rotary Triathlon co-ordinator said: “A triathlon is an expensive and complicated event to stage.
“We had British Triathlon Federation approval again this year which ensures that we aim for the highest standards in all areas of planning and caring for athletes.
“Channel Rotary could not justify risking its charity funds to stage the event, so it would not have been possible without the support of so many organisations and businesses in the community.
“Channel Rotary normally distributes about £20,000 each year locally. In the last year that fund reached 40 different beneficiaries in our community.
“This year, the triathlon has been the only way so far to raise funds at a time when need is far greater than usual.”
The Rotary club worked closely with the Folkestone Rescue Service, Folkestone Rowing Club and a number of other volunteers to stage the triathlon.
