Didsbury Golf Club’s Past Captain David Sheppard was delighted to present his chosen Captain’s Charity cheque for £4,183.00 to Andy Green the MS Society’s Community Fund Raiser.
David said: “The reason for me choosing the MS Society for my Captains Charity this year is because it’s something that is very close to my heart following my wife’s daughter, Anita being diagnosed with the condition 15 years ago.
“In her case it started with optic neuritis (problems with her vision) and headaches followed a few days later by her falling out of her car after driving to York to visit a friend with no feeling down her left side.
“This continued over the weekend while she attended a music festival with her friends thinking she was drunk due to not being able to walk in a straight line despite not having had a drink.
“She attended hospital with one side of her body now numb and after a few weeks was finally given the MS diagnosis.
“Anita has since taken up climbing and now competes as a Para climber for Great Britain, and has obtained silver and bronze medals, as a way to keep her body strong and try to combat the symptoms which can include fatigue, loss of balance and dizziness, pain, stiffness or spasms, tremors, thinking and memory problems amongst others.
“The main fundraising events this year have been ‘The 72 hole challenge’ and a Charity golf day.
“I would like to say a big thank you to a few people, firstly Past Captain Martin Murray, our current captain Martin Caddick and Lee Highton for joining me on the day and undertaking the challenge with me.
“Secondly, Andrew Murray and Caroline who without their support and guidance the Charity golf day may not have taken place or been such a success.
“Finally I would like to thank all the members of Didsbury GC and the guests and friends that supported not only myself but also the Charity throughout the year because without their support Charities like the MS Society would not be able to do what they do in not only supporting people who have been diagnosed but their families and finally putting money into the research to look for a cure.”
Andy Green added: “All here at the MS Society would like to pass on our huge thanks to Captain David Sheppard and all members of the Didsbury Golf Club for raising such a staggering amount throughout 2024 in aid of the charity and funding our vital work.
“Right now, we’re funding dozens of projects to help improve diagnosis, treatments and services for everyone and with the help provided by charity fund-raising we’re making groundbreaking discoveries. “The funds raised by Didsbury Golf Club can pay for our research teams to analyse the genetic code of someone with MS.
“This could help to discover how genes are involved in the progression of MS.
“Also, the funds would help fund slides for a microscope that uses a laser to cut out single cells. “By looking at these individual cells, researchers can investigate what proteins they produce. They can also compare what proteins are produced under different conditions. This could give us a give a better understanding of what causes the destruction of nerve cells seen in people with MS.
“We have a Texas Scramble Offering for all Golf Clubs in the UK. A chance for all abilities to take part in a round of golf – For more information on running your own Texas Scramble or even adopting the MS Society as your next chosen Charity of the Year please e mail andy.green@mssociety.org.uk.”
David Sheppard Presented with with framed certificate by Andy Green of the MS Society
