TWO golf captains tee-d up fundraisers for Dorset County Hospital – and holed out with more than £14,000 in donations.

Patrick Crane, captain of Weymouth Gold Club for 2021-22, nominated the Fortuneswell Ward at the Dorchester hospital as his chosen charity, while Simon Etherington, captain for 2022-2023, selected the Paediatric Diabetes Ward.

Both said they had personal reasons for their choices.

Patrick selected the Fortuneswell Ward ‘in thanks for the fantastic quality of care and treatment received by friends, and members of the club’.

And Simon said of the Paediatric Diabetes Ward: “Members of my close family, including my grand daughter, who was diagnosed at two years old, suffer from Type 1 Diabetes.

“I would like the donation to help with the huge advances that are being made to treat this condition in young people.”

Their efforts saw a total of £14,217 handed over to representatives from the hospital and members of the Dorset County Hospital Charity team.

The money was raised during the various events during each captain’s year in office, plus the Golf Club’s Pink Day, which is a charity day in memory of members who have passed away from Cancer-related illnesses.

Vicky Hunt, Dorset County Hospital Charity’s fundraising officer, said: “We can’t thank the Simon, Pat and all the members of Weymouth Golf Club enough for this amazing donation.

“They had hinted it was a good amount but kept the actual total secret until the last minute – it was a real surprise and the departments who will benefit are delighted and very grateful for this very generous support.”

For more details on the Dorset County Hospital Charity, log on to www.dchcharity.org.uk, and to talk to a member of the team, call 01305 253215 or email charity@dchft.nhs.uk.