An Abbey-solutely tee-rific way to help Support Dogs

Abbeydale Golf Club raised more than £20,000 after hosting a number of fundraising events for Sheffield-based national charity, Support Dogs, which trains and provides assistance dogs to support autistic children, as well as adults affected by epilepsy or physical disability.

The events included a hog roast, golf competition, raffle, auctions, social evenings featuring gin-tasting and a big “Am-Am” amateur-amateur tournament with 25 teams.

The club, which was founded in 1895 and has 550 members in the men’s section, 110 women and 60 child golfers, was rewarded for its epic fundraising efforts by having a trainee support dog – yellow Lab Abbey – named in its honour.

Andy Daykin, 2023-2024 men’s captain, Nikki Bishop, 2023-2024 ladies’ captain and Steve Silverwood from club sponsors ECA Business Energy met the pup and also had an exclusive tour of Support Dogs’ new headquarters at Elsworth House, on Herries Road South in Hillsborough.

Andy said: “Abbeydale is a thriving and progressive golf club. Nikki and I are both delighted that we were able to raise sufficient funds during our Captaincy to sponsor a support dog, with much of the thanks going to the help of our members. We were delighted to meet Abbey and will follow her progress as an assistance dog with interest.”

He added: “We are really impressed with Support Dogs’ new centre – it’s going to be amazing. Support Dogs is one of the charities that is under-supported and we are delighted to have been able to help. If other golf clubs followed suit, it would really help the charity to thrive.”

Nikki said: “We were thrilled to meet Abbey – she’s beautiful. The new centre is going to be absolutely breath-taking. It’s only been since our captaincy that I’ve come to discover more about what this fantastic charity does to help people affected by autism, epilepsy and disability.

“The new centre opens up such potential to expand.”

Steve said: “ECA Business Energy were proud to be sponsors of Abbeydale Golf Club’s Captain’s Charity Day, helping to raise an incredible £20,000 in support of Support Dogs.

“This fantastic charity provides life-changing assistance dogs for people with autism, epilepsy, and physical disabilities, and we’re delighted to have played a part in supporting their vital work."

Tess Thompson, community fundraising manager at Support Dogs, thanked Abbeydale Golf Club members for their generosity.

She said: “We can’t thank the golfers enough for their efforts and we are delighted that Abbey serves as a testament to their hard work.

“Our charity receives no government funding and the support of golf clubs like Abbeydale is crucial to our success in helping vulnerable people to live more independently. We would welcome any other golf clubs to get in touch.”

To find out more about the incredible work of Support Dogs, please visit www.supportdogs.org.uk or call 0114 2617800.