Donation from George Washington Golf Club in memory of much-loved Captain

Members of George Washington Golf Club have pulled together to raise an incredible donation of £8,500 for St Benedict’s Hospice, in memory of their much-loved Captain. Walter Whitfield, from Washington, was 66 when he died in the hospice in January from a brain tumour. The donation will enable the hospice team to continue to support local patients with life-limiting illnesses, their family and friends.

After being a club member for more than 20 years, Walter had chosen St Benedict’s as his Captain’s charity and met with the hospice fundraising team in autumn 2021. Sadly, he was unable to fundraise himself as he received his terminal diagnosis not long after and was cared for at the hospice himself. St Benedict’s provided 24-hour care and a safe environment, allowing Walter’s family to be with him.

Members chose to keep Walter as their Captain and to fundraise for the local hospice in his memory. Fundraising events were held across the year, including Walter’s Captain’s day on 28 August. The day was a great success with over 150 players taking part in the Golf and 200 guests enjoying the evening event.

Bill Michie, Golf Manager, spearheaded fundraising for the hospice in memory of his friend. Bill said “after Walter was cared for so well by St Benedict’s and knowing how close the charity was to him, we felt it only right that we fundraise for the hospice this year. The fantastic amount raised by our members shows just how much Walter was loved and admired. He is a big miss to us all here but his Captain’s year will be long remembered. We are so glad to be able to hand over this donation in his memory to allow St Benedict’s to continue their wonderful work.”

At Walter’s funeral, Bill, tasked members of the Men’s Team with winning the League for Walter and they were magnificent in winning the North Durham League 3rd Division with only one loss and the League won with a game to spare. They also had a great run in the Cups and were narrowly beaten in the County Foursomes Final.

Photograph – Donation being given to St Benedict’s Hospice (from left to right: Sean Molyneux, Vice-Captain at George Washington Golf Club; Sheelagh Taylor, Community Fundraising Manager at St Benedict’s Hospice; Walter’s daughter, Claire and son, Gavin; Bill Michie, Golf Manager at George Washington Golf Club.