TAVISTOCK?S golfing star James Ruth will be among the ladies next week, wielding his driver to help raise money for a children?s hospital.
Ruth, 18, has offered to take any ladies? drive on the first hole at Tavistock Golf Club for a small fee in a charity day organised by lady captain Wendy Hanwell.
Also on hand will be veteran golfer Ken Kendall, a five handicapper, who will be on a green to take a putt or two for any player.
?Traditionally, the lady captain has a day out to end her year in office, but this year I am having a day in to help raise money for the Alice Rose Trust,? said Wendy. ?The charity was set up by my step-daughter and step son-in-law who lost their month-old baby daughter last year.?
Alice was born with a rare metabolic disorder and was cared for at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Bristol where she died on August 1. The trust was formed in memory of Alice to raise money to support sick children and their families. All the money raised in the first year will be donated to the intensive care unit.
More than 50 ladies will be playing a shotgun start three-ball better ball competition on Tuesday with lunch afterwards.
Money is also being raised by a former Tavistock College student who will be running the New York Marathon on November 1.
Zoe Jackson, 26, works for a publishing company in Bath, and heard of the Alice Rose Trust from her mother Rosie who is a neighbour of John and Wendy Hanwell in Middlemoor.
?She was looking for a charity which linked home with where she lives in Bath which is close to Bristol,? said Rosie. ?Although she hasn?t any children herself she felt it was a good charity to support as you never know when you are going to need a children?s hospital.
The New York marathon will be Zoe?s first full marathon and she has been training all summer in Bath.
?I am so grateful to James for taking the time to support the trust during what has been a very busy and successful year for him,? said Wendy. ?And to Zoe and Ken - this is turning out to be a real team effort.?
Already, Alice?s parents, Ruth and Adam Reuben, who are both doctors, have raised £11,000 from a ball held in Bristol in July and a further £8,000 from a charity rugby match.
A picture painted especially for the trust by internationally renowned artist Damien Hirst is to be auctioned next year.
Anyone wanting to sponsor Zoe can get a sponsorship form from Rosie Jackson on 01822 612907 and anyone wanting to make a donation can send it to ladies? captain Wendy Hanwell c/o Tavistock Golf Club, made out to the Alice Rose Trust.