THE Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Cancer Research UK have between them received cash windfalls totalling more than £7,500 as a result of fundraising efforts during their terms in office by Skipton Golf Club captains.

Retiring men’s captain Ian Sewell, who served an extended two-year term during Covid, raised £5,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which his family have supported for many years, while during her 12-month term last year ladies captain Dagmar Hecker-Woodhead netted £2,569 for Cancer Research UK.

“It is a charity very close to many of our members’ hearts. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that our fundraising efforts resulted in the highest amount ever achieved in the ladies’ section,” noted Dagmar.

Both she and Ian warmly thanked all – both members and visitors alike – who had contributed to their individual campaigns through various initiatives both on and off the course, some like Dagmar’s ‘Walk all over Cancer’ staged when it was not even possible to play golf due to Covid.

“It’s a fantastic achievement,” they both concurred, comments echoed by the recipient charities. Clare Deacon, North Yorkshire Community Fundraiser, said: “Yorkshire Air Ambulance would like to thank Ian and all at Skipton Golf Club for their amazing donation of £5,000 raised over the last two years.

"It costs £4.4million per year to keep the two helicopters flying and saving lives - that equates to £12,000 per day. The last two years have been extremely difficult and we would not be here without the generosity of our fundraisers.”

Jan Leafe, Cancer Research UK Relationship Manager Supporter Led Fundraising, Engagement & Operations, said: “Currently one in two people across the UK will get cancer within their lifetime. But, with the help of the amazing work of our researchers and supporters over the last 40 years, survival has doubled to two in four.

“This is an incredible achievement, but we are not done yet. Cancer Research UK want to accelerate this progress even further and it’s only due to the generous donations from our supporters such as the Skipton Golf Club members that we can achieve this and beat cancer sooner.”

Meanwhile, Dagmar will continue to serve as ladies captain until this August when she hands over to her vice-captain, Lorraine Raeburn.

The duo, along with new men’s captain Roger Moore, have joined forces to support a single charity for their fund-raising efforts, Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope.

A number of fund-raising initiatives are already in the pipeline, including a standalone charity golf day in aid of Manorlands on Saturday, April 23.

Overall, a fantastic achievement and contribution by both of Skipton's captains (or ex captain) to raise a sum of money for such a fantastic cause.

They continue to proudly represent the club.

For further information, contact: Robin Moule on 07976 559961, robin@moulemedia.com

Jan Leafe is on 07917 072998, email Janet.Leafe@cancer.org.uk

Clare Deacon is on 07876 508471, email c.deacon@yaa.org.uk