A group of golfers from Sutton Coldfield who ‘putt’ all their effort into a year of fundraising after being inspired by a member’s grandson have raised over £4,500 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

The Boldmere Golf Club Seniors, also known as The Shaggy Dogs, were absolutely devastated when they heard the news that the Boldmere main club captain, John Gibbons’ grandson had been involved in a road traffic accident. Archie, who was 11 at the time of the accident, sustained serious life changing injuries to his left leg and foot, which required 19 operations in three months spent at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, plus ongoing rehabilitation.

Archie came through his treatment with a determined smile and a profound appreciation for all the hospital staff who had taken care of him, so much so he told his parents he would forgo his pocket money and birthday presents to make a £100 donation to the hospital’s charity, as a thank you.

When John told his golfing pals about his grandson’s selfless sacrifice, Seniors Captain, Stan Osborne stepped forward. The entire membership was moved by Archie’s story so to show the club’s support, Stan nominated Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity as his Captain’s Charity for 2023, matching John’s choice for the main club.

Over the next year, the Boldmere Golf Club Seniors pulled together to fundraise through various activities including sweeps on sporting events and a weekly competition to see who could get their ball closest to the last hole on the golf course. By chance, 2023 also marked the club’s 50^th anniversary so to mark the event, Stan and his members organised an open golf event. Gaining sponsorship from Dave Carns of National Infrastructure Solutions and support with prizes and reduced green fees from Mytimeactive who manage Boldmere Golf club, the Shaggy Dogs were able to welcome 80 senior golfers from across the Midlands to play and raise funds for the charity.

The team raised £1,300 at its anniversary event alone but combined with their weekly activities and the funds raised by John’s team, Boldmere Golf Club’s year-long fundraising reached £4,500.

Stan said: “We were extremely concerned when we heard about Archie’s accident but the fortitude and determination he showed to get through his treatment and recover was incredibly admirable, especially giving up his pocket money to say thank you to the hospital.

“Our members really pulled together to raise the funds but we couldn’t have held our anniversary event without our sponsors so I’d like to thank them for their support too.”

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It’s heartwarming to hear how Archie’s gratitude for his care at our hospital inspired a real community effort between the teams at Boldmere Golf Club.

“The incredible funds Stan, John and the club members raised will go towards helping us do more for brave patients just like Archie.”