Petersfield Golf Club raises funds for Dementia Friendly Petersfield

Karen Neville

This year Petersfield Golf Club is doing more than just playing great golf – it’s rallying behind a deeply meaningful cause. 

 With newly appointed Club Captain Iain Thomson and Ladies’ Captain Jackie Carter, the club has chosen to dedicate most of its fundraising efforts to Dementia Friendly Petersfield, a local volunteer-run charity offering vital support to individuals and families living with dementia. The club in Tankerdale Lane will also be supporting Air Ambulance, another very worthy cause. 

For Jackie, this mission is personal. Her father, Charles Maddison, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after a series of concerning incidents, including one when he arrived at the wrong house. “There’s a lot of denial at first,” Jackie shares. “But once my mum encouraged him to seek help, we were eventually given a diagnosis. From there, we had to learn how to navigate life as dementia slowly took its toll, particularly my lovely mum Shirley who was his main carer.” 

Jackie’s story is sadly familiar to many – her father gradually lost the ability to speak and communicate, yet amid the struggle, there were moments of enjoyment. A Royal Navy veteran, Charles, pictured, found comfort in routine, watching the sea from their flat in Southsea, walking the same route every day and, amusing to all the family, watching the same episode of Neighbours twice a day which gave Jackie’s mum a moment of respite. With support from a daycare centre and dedicated carers, Jackie’s family found the strength to manage, with the family pulling together to care for their dad. 

That experience, shared by others at the club – including three former ladies’ captains who have had or are living with dementia, and Captain Iain Thomson, whose father had vascular dementia – has inspired a year-long fundraising campaign that’s already off to an incredible start. Since April, Petersfield Golf Club have raised over £2,300, with hopes of reaching at least £10,000 by the end of the year. 

But for Iain and Jackie, fundraising is only part of the mission. Equally important is raising awareness. One of the club’s flagship events will be a free Dementia Awareness Day at Petersfield Golf Club in the clubhouse on Friday, 20th June, from 10.30am to noon, open to all and hosted by MP Damian Hinds. 

As Jackie says: “This is for my special dad and for everyone who has faced the difficult road of dementia with courage and love.” 

Book your place

To book a place on the Dementia Awareness Day please ring Alex at Petersfield Golf Club on 01730 895165 Ext 1 or email: admin@petersfieldgolfclub.co.uk 

For further information about Dementia Friendly Petersfield, please contact secretary Audrey Morton on 07966 759929.