Golfers fundraising putts children’s holidays first

Golfers at a local club have raised more than £22,000 for Derby Kids’ Camp, a charity that provides much-needed holidays to local youngsters.

Carl Baker chose to raise funds for the charity during his year as captain of Kedleston Park Golf Club.

And the outgoing captain has raised more than £22,000 for Derby Kids’ Camp, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and provides breaks for children in the city and county.

The cash was raised through a series of events, including a Gentleman’s Evening, Charity Golf Day, an evening function, raffles and an auction, as well as donations from individuals.

Derby Kids’ Camp provides free camping holidays for over 300 local children every summer who are in need of a break for reasons such as financial difficulties, close bereavement, illness in the family, difficulties with social interaction and more.

In its 50 years, an estimated 15,000 children from Derby city and surrounding areas have benefited from a break.

Chris Edwards, chairman of Derby Kids’ Camp, said: ““It has been a pleasure to get to know Carl over the past year and witness his genuine warmth and support for the charity.

“We knew that Carl and Kedleston Park Golf Club were working hard to raise money for Derby Kids’ Camp, but to be presented with this fantastic amount was truly incredible.

“The results will fully-fund the much-needed holidays of almost half of the children we support next year – something we hope Carl and his supporting team and colleagues can be hugely proud of.”

Carl said: “There are many worthwhile and deserving charities, but I was very keen to raise money on behalf of local Derby children, children who were less fortunate than most.

“Many of us take the simple things for granted, but for many, life is not quite so easy.

“For me, Derby Kids’ Camp ticked all the right boxes. It supports local disadvantaged children who are nominated by either their school or social services as they have a specific need, and it targets the most deserving cases across our city.”