Haltwhistle friends complete 72 hole golf challenge for charity

Haltwhistle Jubilee Junior Football club welfare officer Ken Williamson and friend Paul Hewitson decided that on Monday, 20 June, they would challenge themselves to complete 72 holes on four golf courses to raise money for Whizz Kidz and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

"Paul and I decided we wanted to do something to raise money for these two charities close to our hearts," Ken said.

"We both are close friends with a family whose son Daniel Miller benefited greatly from the support of Whizz Kidz with an electric wheelchair during his life.

"Additionally, in the last year, through coaching junior football, I came into contact with a young boy called Alfie Barwick, who is fully committed to everything despite having type one diabetes. Alfie has had his life greatly enhanced by the work and support of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation."

"On monday, our day began at 4.30 am at Chester le Street Golf Club before travelling to Hexham Golf Club, Bellingham Golf Club and finally Haltwhistle Golf Club.

"We completed the challenge at 8.50 pm, making the total time 16 hours 20 minutes.

"It was exhausting and led to some aching limbs but during the event, we were ably supported by Anne Hewitson, Michael Parker, Chris Horton, and Jack Johnstone.

"So far we have raised £1,600 currently but it is not complete.

"All four golf clubs that we used have donated four balls on their courses, so we will raffle them over the next few weeks, and we hope the final total will be £2,000.

"The justgiving page will remain open for people to donate for another ten days.

"Paul and I found the day to be personally rewarding as we honoured the memory of our friend Daniel Miller and were inspired to finish the challenge when Alfie Barwick met us as we began the final round at Haltwhistle.

"We would like to thank Steve Dougherty for printing and sponsorship forms, Top Signs Hexham for shirts, the Jubilee bar in Haltwhistle."