17 June 2025
It was a Par 10 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice as they celebrated their tenth annual golf day at the prestigious Grove Hotel in Watford by raising just under £100k.
The day was attended by Tottenham Hotspur Legends Ossie Ardiles, Pat Jennings, Micky Hazard and Paul Miller plus Wimbledon Legend Dave Beasant and Manchester United Legend Steve Coppell. The footballing legends were joined by some of the charity’s corporate supporters such as Ardent Hire, Asbestech, Belcor Ltd, Martyn Gerrard, Taylor Wimpey and The Fidelis Partnership. The sporting spectacle attracted a fair share of attention with the star of ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother, Chris Hughes, stopping by to say hello.
The guests were treated to a day of golfing fun including a par-tee DJ on the green just after the tenth hole and Paul Barrington – The Golf Trick Shot Guy offering shots for donations. The golf was followed by a sumptuous lunch plus an auction led by Aaron James. Some of the prizes that were up for grabs included a week’s stay at villa in St James, Barbados that sleeps 10, a fully comp box experience watching McFly v Buster at the O2, tickets to any Saracens Rugby game, a 4-ball at the Centurian Club, a 3-ball at the Wentworth Club and a 2-ball at the JCB Golf and Country Club.
Sophie Andrews OBE, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s CEO spoke to the guests and showed a film that illustrated the positive impact the hospice has on the children and families it supports. Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice helps babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day. It costs over £6 million a year to keep Noah's Ark Children’s Hospice running, with 76% of that coming from voluntary donations. This vital support ensures that we can continue to provide expert and compassionate palliative care for over 350 children who have a life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families.
Ossie Ardiles said: ‘It has been a wonderful day – we were delighted to be here in support of our charitable partner Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. I have attended this event many times and it is always brilliant to see the amazing work Noah’s Ark do for young people and their families.’
Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah's Ark Children's Hospice said: ‘I always really look forward to our annual golf day but this one, being the tenth, was incredibly special. We’re incredibly lucky to have such dedicated supporters, and so grateful to everyone who came, had fun and raised money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. A special thank-you goes to our corporate partner Tottenham Hotspur for their on-going support.’
Rachael Messer, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice’s Special Events Manager said: ‘Our Annual Golf Day is a jewel in our special events calendar and this year did not disappoint. We’re so grateful for all the generosity and support from everyone who attended which continues to make this event such a success.’
