On Friday 1 September the inaugural Kidney Golf Classic took place at Belvoir Park Golf Club in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Hosted by Stephen Watson, BBC NI Sports Presenter and kidney transplant recipient, the day was an extraordinary success, raising essential awareness about organ donation, as well as over £35,000 to provide crucial support to individuals living with kidney disease in Northern Ireland.
The Kidney Golf Classic also emerged as one of the most significant pro-celebrity golf tournaments in Northern Ireland this year. We welcomed a distinguished array of sporting luminaries, including football icons Pat Jennings and Martin O’Neill, who travelled to join David Healy, alongside former internationals Aaron Hughes, Stephen Craigan, Jim Magilton, Warren Feeney, Stephen Penney, and John O’Neill.
Rugby was well-represented by Ireland's Grand Slam heroes Stephen Ferris and Tommy Bowe, in the company of former Ireland internationals Craig Gilroy, Andy Ward, and Darren Cave.
All Ireland Gaelic football was equally represented, with Mickey Harte and Oisin McConville joining us on behalf of the GAA.
Also in attendance, former Ryder Cup vice-captain Des Smyth, NW200 record holder Alastair Seeley, and former MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams alongside Ireland cricketer Gary Wilson, former world champion boxer Brian Magee, UTV’S Ruth Gorman, Cool FM’s Pete Snodden, and former chat show supremo Gerry Kelly.
We were also delighted to welcome numerous representatives from Northern Ireland's golf clubs and their professionals.
Guests also enjoyed the After ParTee: a live auction and raffle, a selection of talented musicians, A Night at the Races, followed by a DJ until the early hours.
Kidney disease is an enormous issue affecting 3.5 million people in the UK, irrespective of age, gender, or ethnic background. It is a relentless, lifelong condition that, without often painful and invasive treatments, can be fatal.
At Kidney Care UK, we believe that no one should face kidney disease alone.
Thanks to fundraising events like the Kidney Golf Classic, we will continue offering free practical, financial, and emotional support to countless families across the UK grappling with kidney disease.
If you’re feeling inspired to host a fundraising event to support our kidney community, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling 01420 541 424.
