Andrew Collinge hosts event raising much needed money for people with learning disabilities

Last week, Royal Liverpool Golf Club was the venue for the Hft Golf Day, hosted by Andrew Collinge. 

The event passed off extremely well, with teams from around the UK enjoying playing the world famous links - to which The Open championship returns next year - on a day of fine, warm weather. 

Lady Captain RLGC Jenny Toomey, Rosemary Russell, Liz Collinge and Ali Johnson (Picture by Andy Snell)

Hft is a national charity which provides support for people with learning disabilities.

It has a particularly strong presence in Wirral and Cheshire and is a charity close to Andrew's heart as it has supported his sister, Joanne, for many years. 

Hft's services range from residential care and day opportunities for supported care at home - from a few hours a week to 24 hours a day.

The charity's aim is to give people with learning disabilities the opportunity to live their best lives. It provides support and safety and improves lifestyles by better health, finding meaningful relationships, paid employment and hobbies and pastimes.

Mark Gorton, Ben Ellis - Hft, Jeremy Greenfield and Andrew Collinge (Picture by Andy Snell)

Andrew Collinge said: "Hft is a great charity that works quietly and tirelessly. I've seen first hand the dedication and care given by the amazing people that support our loved ones. This was never more evident during the extreme challenges facing this particular sector during the pandemic." 

Next year will see the 20th anniversary of the Hft Golf Day, during which time around £300,000 will have been raised.

This money has funded many special initiatives across the North West. A recent project was to build outdoor gazebos at Hft residences, enabling families to meet up while COVID was requiring so many restrictions.

Says Andrew " The significant amount raised by the Golf Day would not have been possible to achieve without the tremendous support of all those individuals and companies that return to Hoylake each year. We have also been fortunate to have had sponsorship from the leading haircare manufacturers, L'Oreal, TIGI and more recently Wella. This invaluable sponsorship means that every pound donated goes directly to Hft. Special thanks also have to go to the Royal Liverpool Golf Club and everyone involved there in making the day so memorable for all." 

Richard Johnson, Adam Quail, Tom Bullock and Charlie Collinge (Picture by Andy Snell)