A poignant day on the greens

A popular golf event in memory of a tragic young Wigan mum is back - but this year the fund-raising will be even closer to home than usual.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Apr 2017, 15:15 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 18:57 BST
From left, event organiser John Bolton, Alab Bibby, Jerry Lundan and Nathan Thomspon, take part in the fifth annual Amanda Penk Memorial Golf Day, held at Gathurst Golf ClubFrom left, event organiser John Bolton, Alab Bibby, Jerry Lundan and Nathan Thomspon, take part in the fifth annual Amanda Penk Memorial Golf Day, held at Gathurst Golf Club
From left, event organiser John Bolton, Alab Bibby, Jerry Lundan and Nathan Thomspon, take part in the fifth annual Amanda Penk Memorial Golf Day, held at Gathurst Golf Club

The eighth edition of the Amanda Penk Memorial Golf Day will be at Gathurst Golf Club in June with dozens of generous players teeing off for a good cause.

However, there will also be a sadness behind the day as one of the beneficiaries will be Wigan and Leigh Hospice, where organiser John Bolton’s wife is currently being looked after.

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John, from Standish, said he wanted the event to help the Hindley-based hospice as a thank you from his family, and immediately got the blessing of Amanda’s relatives.

Amanda Penk who died after a brain haemorageAmanda Penk who died after a brain haemorage
Amanda Penk who died after a brain haemorage

Proceeds will be split between the hospice and Ben’s Wish, which is fund-raising for treatment and a dream trip to the Caribbean for a young Leigh Centurions fan with leukaemia and cerebral palsy.

Organisers are now pulling out all the stops to ensure the memorial day once again raises thousands of pounds for the two causes.

John said: “The hospice is looking after my wife and it has been absolutely fantastic.

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“They are there all the time and the nurses stay in touch and come out whenever we need them.

Amanda Penk who died after a brain haemorageAmanda Penk who died after a brain haemorage
Amanda Penk who died after a brain haemorage

“We wanted the hospice to be rewarded, especially as all the golfers and teams know my wife, and Amanda’s mum wants this as well.

“We now just need teams to come forward so we have the maximum number again. Anyone wanting to support these two charities should contact us.”

Last year’s golf day was the most successful to date, bringing in around £9,000 which was split between Macmillan Cancer Support, Boot Out Breast Cancer and a pot which small Wigan organisations could apply for donations from.

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The event was originally set up in memory of midwife Amanda, who died of a brain haemorrhage, to fund improvements at Wigan Infirmary where she trained and now raises money for causes close to her heart and supported by her family.

The golf day has attracted high-profile support in the past, with former Premier League footballer and Sky Sports pundit Iain Dowie among those who have enjoyed a round of golf in the past and Falklands veteran Simon Weston a previous after-dinner speaker.

The Amanda Penk Memorial Golf Day is at Gathurst Golf Club on June 23.

To enter a team, ring John on 07823 558533 or email [email protected]

Related topics:WiganWigan InfirmaryPremier LeagueOrganisers