Oxford Pro golfer raises over £10k for ‘a special place’

PROFESSIONAL golfer, Adam Wootton, recently hosted a Golf Day in memory of his friend Johnny Stevens. Johnny from Horspath, Oxford, died in a tragic road traffic accident in July 2016, and raised over £10,000, for the local activity centre for children with special needs, Thomley, near Thame.

Left to right: Craig Disley, Warren Koehler, Adam Wootton

Adam and another of Johnny’s friends, Craig Disley, wanted to do something positive to mark the first anniversary of Johnny’s death. As Johnny was a keen golfer and member of the Oxford Golf Club they choose to organise a golf day there, to raise funds for local charity Thomley. Thomley, based in Worminghall, Bucks, helps over 7,500 disabled people and their families every year. This charity was close to Johnny’s heart as his nephew is a regular visitor there and has benefitted greatly from the unique & vital services they provide.

Laura, Johnny’s sister, saif of Thomley: “It is a special place we go to regularly to spend time as a family. Not only does it offer a wealth of fun activities for our children to take part in, but it is also a place where we feel comfortable and accepted. The staff at Thomley are amazing and always on hand for support. We really value what the charity provides for us, and so many other families.”

The golf day attracted a huge amount of support with over 200 players taking part with fabulous prizes donated by a range of supporters. The event raised £10,880 which will be spent on the purchase and installation of a play train at Thomley in memory of Johnny.

Adam himself explained: “The golf day Craig and I organised for Johnny was a phenomenal success; the money raised in aid of Thomley went past all of our expectations. We are extremely thankful to everyone who kindly donated prizes and gifts for the day. Everyone who uses Thomley will benefit from what we have achieved.”

Warren Koehler, CEO of Thomley thanked Adam and Craig: “On behalf of Thomley, I would like to thank Adam and Craig for all their efforts in organising a golfing event that led to this very generous donation towards our work here. We are delighted that Johnny’s family have chosen a piece of play equipment that will provide ongoing fun and enjoyment to all our visitors and a fitting tribute to Johnny’s memory.

“Johnny’s parents, Ally & Mark Stevens, fondly remember their son as ‘A lovely, caring, thoughtful, funny and very loving man’. The efforts of his friends and the support they received is a fantastic tribute to the love for Johnny and his family.”

To find out more about the services which Thomley offer, or how you could support Thomley, vsit www.thomley.org.uk