Golf courses across the country are being called upon to show their support for children battling cancer by turning their 18th flags gold and orange during the month of September.
The initiative is being led by ‘It's Never You’, a charity established by PGA Professional Ceri Menai-Davis and his wife Frances in memory of their late son Hugh, who sadly lost his life aged six to rhabdomyosarcoma in September 2021.
CLICK HERE to read more about Ceri Menai-Davis’ story. He was awarded The PGA’s Toby Sunderland Award, which highlights the outstanding charity work undertaken by PGA Professionals.
The charity is dedicated to supporting parents of children with cancer and aims to positively impact their lives through campaigns and initiatives.
Childhood cancer affects approximately 2,000 children each year in the UK, and it is the leading cause of death among children. Sadly, around 240 children a year aged 0-14 lose their lives to this devastating disease.
To show their support, golf clubs are requested to fly gold and orange flags on their 18th holes while conducting medal or Stableford competitions. Additionally, clubs are invited to either organise a new competition dedicated to the cause or incorporate the ‘It's Never You appeal’ into an already scheduled event.
This initiative is part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to raise funds to support the parents of children with cancer via the charity’s exclusive social media platform ‘The Children’s Cancer Platform’.
“We want to raise awareness for childhood cancer and the toll it takes on their parents and show our support for those affected,” said Menai-Davis. “By turning their 18th flags gold and orange, golf clubs can help us do just that. If they can raise funds to support the parents who look after that would be a bonus.”
Menai Davis, a fellow director of the Bridgedown Golf Group, which includes The Shire London, West London Golf Centre, and the upcoming Legacy Club, has been drumming up support for the campaign, which has been back by golf legend Colin Montgomerie.
Montgomerie, an eight-time European Order of Merit winner said: “Cancer knows no bounds, and when it affects a child, it shatters the world of the child and their family. This September, join me in supporting the 'It's Never You' charity, as they strive to raise awareness for childhood cancer and the immense toll it takes on their parents.”
Recently, Ceri and the YouTube golf sensation Rick Shiels (PGA Professional) ran the London Marathon together for ‘It’s Never You’ to highlight awareness and raise much needed money for the families.
