Tom’s memorial golf day continues to raise vital funds for hospice care
Tom Coker from Ramsgate held the ninth Graham Coker Memorial Golf Day at St. Augustine’s Golf Club, Cliffsend, Ramsgate, in August 2021, raising an incredible £4,000 for Pilgrims Hospices care.
Tom’s golf day was held in memory of his father, Graham.
For the last three or four years the money raised has been donated to Pilgrims, during that time, the event has raised an amazing £7,894 in support of local hospice care.
Tom said: “The Graham Coker Cup started after we sadly lost my dad in 2012. The idea to hold a memorial golf day was started by some of his friends who he played golf with at St. Augustine’s.
“In the first year, we had just 15 players; it’s grown from strength to strength, this year we had 103 golfers teeing off.”
Karen Kenward, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “This really is a huge achievement by everyone who has supported the event from 2012 to 2021. Tom, his family, friends, supporters and the venue itself are so supportive of our charity, it’s really been lovely to see this event grow each year. Tom is already working on a date for next year.
This generous donation will enable us to help provide vital services for those who need our care in the future. Thank you from all of us at Pilgrims Hospices.”
We have all been affected one way or another and can’t tell you how much we appreciate Pilgrims Hospices. They really do the most amazing work and all my family and friends are more than happy to help as much as we can, we feel their services are invaluable to people when they’re at their lowest ebb.Tom
Tom, who owns a local building and carpentry firm, said: “I would like to thank all the people who supported this special day. To all the players (new and old), the people who kindly donated prizes to the competition and raffle, and the staff at St. Augustine’s Golf Club for their help and support to organise this great day.”
As the event has grown, Tom has been able to add to the event with prizes for the top 10 players with the best individual score and a team game involving turns to finish the hole with a pink ball.
The top 3 teams with the best score and managing to get the pink ball back to the clubhouse without losing it also win prizes. With nearest to the pin and longest drive holes to keep the golfers challenged.
Tom added: “We had wonderful donations from friends and family including cash, drinks, jewellery and giant teddies. We even had a washing machine one year.
“The BBQ was ready for players when they got off the course, with all the meat kindly donated by Hogman’s our local butchers.
“After the golfers’ prize giving, we held the raffle for the wonderful donated prices, a pretty eventful and charitable day!
“We have all been affected one way or another and can’t tell you how much we appreciate Pilgrims Hospices. They really do the most amazing work and all my family and friends are more than happy to help as much as we can, we feel their services are invaluable to people when they’re at their lowest ebb.”
