14th August 2019 - Putt For Parkinson's - Drive For Dementia

“Today is going to be wet wet … WET”, declared in his usual enthusiastic and flamboyant style by my current favourite award winning BBC Look North weatherman Owain.

A modern day Michael Fish with a slight difference. He is always right.

By all accounts, never mind the weather never mind the rain, memories were made amongst friends and families on the day, their enthusiasm in Putt for Parkinson’s and  Drive for Dementia (nearly forgot about that).

A very big thank you to the founder of Golf in Society Harrogate, Anthony Blackburn for organising this popular golf event combining a six hole reception course with a host of family activities at Rudding Park, all for the benefit of Parkinson’s and Dementia Harrogate.

This rather appropriately and poignantly leads us to the inspiration behind the conception and the whole ethos of Golf in Society Harrogate, a much valued member of PUK Harrogate branch, George Haydon who sadly passed away a few months ago. George had been a keen sportsman all his life. His enthusiasm along with Anthony’s combined together, helped to establish the Golf in Society Harrogate club some three years ago.

Since then, this social enterprise has held fortnightly dementia and Parkinson’s friendly golf sessions at Rudding Park.

There is ample proof and evidence by people with Parkinson’s stating how golf can improve one’s physical and mental wellbeing, whilst provided much needed respite support for carers.

George’s legacy will live on with so many in the Harrogate area now enjoying better quality of life with Parkinson’s as a result of discovering golf.

In memory and dedication to George, his wife Gillian will present a trophy The George Haydon Cup to the winner of the fundraising Golf Day every year. A befitting reminder of the legacy he left behind.