Reigate Heath Golf Club Captains Fundraise for Stripey Stork

This year, Stripey Stork has been proud to be the chosen charity for Reigate Heath Golf Club (RHGC), forming a year-long partnership that will raise vital money and awareness for us. At the heart of it all are David and Susie, the Club’s Men’s and Women’s Captains, who not only champion our cause but have recently gone above and beyond by each taking on an extraordinary personal challenge, all with one aim – to raise as much as possible for Stripey Stork. Together, they have raised over £20,000, a phenomenal achievement that will have a lasting impact on the families we support.

David’s Home from Home 1000km challenge

David’s challenge began at the iconic Swilcan Bridge at St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”, with his best friend Keith alongside him for the ride. From there, the pair set out to cycle all the way back to RHGC, covering 1,000km in just over a week.

The journey was packed with memorable moments:

• Day 1 – A 50km warm-up to Kirkcaldy, complete with a coffee break and a touching £10 donation from a retired policeman that they chatted to.
• Day 2 – Crossing the Forth Bridge, then on to Lanark, before heading south and crossing the border at Gretna. At a lunch stop in Dumfriesshire, the landlord of The Old Stables yet again showed the kindness of strangers by handing over a £20 donation.
• Day 3 – One of the toughest climbs yet: 1,500m up to Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in the UK. Reward? A well-earned pint with stunning views over the Yorkshire Dales.
• Day 5 – York to Lincoln, 125km of relentless pedalling with no freewheeling on flat terrain. By then, they’d passed the halfway point at 600km.
• Day 6 – Lincoln to Stamford via Boston and Spalding, adding another 130km and bringing the total to 736km.
• Day 7 – Steady climbs through Oundle and Northampton, pushing on despite tired legs and looming rain.
• Day 8 – Four counties in one day, a puncture just before the finish, and even a glimpse of the bridge from the Great Train Robbery. The final push took them to Harpenden – almost home.
• Day 9 – The final ride from Harpenden to Reigate Heath where they were joined by 3 friends. A broken chain at Chipperfield briefly threatened to derail the day, but a friend of a friend came to the rescue, driving 10km to fix it on the spot and they were soon back on the road and on schedule for the much-awaited “Homecoming” at Reigate Heath Golf Club.

By the time David and Keith rolled back into RHGC, they’d conquered hundreds of hills, met countless generous strangers, and clocked over 1,000km in aid of Stripey Stork.

David says:

It’s amazing what you can achieve when you have a real sense of purpose and belief.  Knowing what it means to Stripey Stork and the families they help was a huge motivation throughout the ride, as was the incredible support from so many people.  All I can say is thank you. For the donations, the messages and for believing in us and in Stripey Stork.

Susie’s Ten 9-hole Course challenge

Taking place in the same week, Women’s Captain Susie took on her own sporting challenge: 90 holes of golf across 10 different courses in just 5 days.

• Day 1 – Alton and Leckford in Hampshire.
• Day 2 – Godstone and then Cuckfield in Edenbridge.
• Day 3 – A morning at Limpsfield Chart (“millionaires’ golf” with no one else on the course) where the team’s hospitality was matched by a generous donation. In the afternoon, Holtye offered quick greens and hilly fairways.
• Day 4 – Visits to Sandown Park Golf Centre and Thames Ditton & Esher Golf Club.
• Day 5 – Dorking Golf Club in the morning, a beautiful but steep course with a notorious climb nicknamed “cardiac hill.” Her last round back at RHGC where she was greeted by supportive club members, friends and family.

Through sunshine, steep fairways and plenty of putts, Susie clocked up an impressive 70,000 steps and brought the game she loves into the spotlight all to raise money for Stripey Stork.

Susie says

Supporting Stripey Stork has made a huge impact on the members who have donated so generously and especially myself, as it’s a local charity with so many organisations involved, with so many volunteers, helping so many families. I thoroughly enjoyed my challenge, playing 10 different courses, with friends, and acting as ambassador for Stripey Stork. The support from the team is amazing and so helpful.

The Homecoming

On Friday 4th August, the clubhouse came alive as “Two Captains and a Keith” returned to Reigate Heath Golf Club from their week of sporting adventures. The air was full of cheers, hugs and applause as friends, family and fellow members gathered to celebrate their homecoming. The Stripey Stork team was proud to be there in person, ready to welcome them back and thank them for their incredible efforts.

Over £20,000 Raised – and What That Means

Thanks to David and Susie’s determination and the generosity of everyone who donated, sponsored or encouraged them along the way, more than £20,000 has been raised for Stripey Stork.

Delivering our service to families all across Surrey and Croydon is a key part of our objectives. We want to be able to be there for every family that needs us. This money will help us to continue to keep our van on the road, bringing essential items and resources to families who need a helping hand.

Huge congratulations David, Keith and Susie! Their resilience and creativity in fundraising have been so inspiring. Thanks to their efforts, we’ll be able to get on the road and deliver to the 28,000 children we expect to support in the next 12 months. It’s an incredible legacy to leave from their captaincy year – one that will be felt in homes and hearts across the community.

Nicola Dawes, Chief Executive Stripey Stork.

Our Thanks

David, Susie – you’ve inspired us all. Your energy, creativity, and sheer grit have made a huge difference. And to every single supporter, whether you gave a pound, shared a post or stood at the roadside cheering, thank you. Together, you’ve turned a great idea into a lasting legacy for Stripey Stork.

Feeling inspired?

If you want to do something amazing and fundraise for Stripey Stork visit our fundraising page for ideas and inspiration. Whether it’s through one of our Run4Charity challenge events, another organised event, or something you dream up yourself – email us at events@stripeystork.org.uk and let’s make it happen! The money you raise will go directly towards enabling us to support families across Surrey and Croydon with the essential items they need for their children.