We have chosen The Friends of Airdale as our chosen charity for the 2026 season
Our captain, David Colgrave, was so impressed by the care and dedication of staff who cared for a close relative early this year that when it came to choosing which charity to support for the next 12 months, he chose the Friends. A volunteer-based group, the FoA has been raising money to support patient care since the hospital first opened.
David told us: “A close member of the family was taken seriously ill just after Christmas and spent three weeks in Airedale. It was touch and go, but all the staff across the hospital were fantastic. I was really impressed by their care and dedication – and the sandwiches and coffees from the FoA shops were also very welcome! When I suggested the charity to other members, many felt the hospital was a place they could really relate to. They’ve all had some form of experience – either directly or indirectly – with Airedale.”
We aim to raise about £1.5k – £2K through charity events held throughout the year, which of course kicked off with the soggy season opener, the “Captains’ Drive in” on Sunday 29th March.
All the money raised from the ‘penalty’ on the 7th hole will also go into the club charity pot. You’d be amazed at how much that raises!
The FoA chairman Alison Dixon told us: “We’re delighted that David felt moved enough by his own personal experience to choose us as the club’s charity of the year. It’s a marvellous way to recognise the incredible work of the staff here.”
Friends of Airedale is a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting Airedale General Hospital by undertaking a number of roles within the hospital and in the community. It also raises money to buy equipment to benefit patients and – in the past 10 years – has raised more than £5.5 million.
We hope you will support us in supporting them this season.
