The annual charity golf day in aid of Popham Kidney Support raised a record £14,000 at Clyne Golf Club, with 50 teams taking part.
Organised by Kim Loosmore, Popham Kidney Support trustee, the event brought together businesses, organisations and supporters from across the UK to raise funds for the Wales-based charity, which provides practical and emotional support to children, young people, adults and their families affected by kidney disease.
This year's event marked a significant milestone, with both the £14,000 raised and the 50 teams taking part setting new records since the charity golf day was first launched nine years ago.
Founded in 2013 as The Paul Popham Fund in memory of the late Paul Popham, father of CEO Joanne Popham, the charity now operates as Popham Kidney Support and delivers a wide range of services across Wales, including peer support, counselling, education, awareness programmes, health groups and activity days. Over the past 12 months, it has supported more than 3,000 people and has been recognised with the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
Funds raised from the golf day will go towards the charity's Children and Young People Services. Children and young people living with kidney disease often face challenges that extend beyond their physical health, including poorer mental wellbeing and barriers to independence and confidence. The money raised will help Popham Kidney Support provide the encouragement, opportunities and resources they need to build resilience, grow in confidence, and look forward to a brighter future.
Donations from Jon Lewis, CEO of Shirgar Butter, and Keith Jones, founder of GG's Gelato, helped cover the costs of staging the event, ensuring that more of the money raised could be directed towards the charity's Children and Young People Services.
This year's tournament was won by AC Doors, represented by Stuart Jones, Andrew Colwill, Mike Hassett and Steve Rees. St Mary's Square, comprising Alex O'Brien, Andy O'Brien, Ben Loosmore and Harry Loosmore, finished in second place, while S.D. Harris Car Sales, represented by Robert Mills, Simon Harris, Martin Allchurch and Cliffy Doel, secured third.
The main prize was sponsored by FAI Automotive. Additional prizes were awarded for the Longest Drive competition, sponsored by David North Personal Training, and Nearest the Pin, sponsored by Days Rental.
Following the day's golf, guests took part in a charity auction featuring a range of prizes donated by CEM Day, Dawsons Estate Agents, Yuasa Batteries, Morgans Hotel and other local businesses. The auction alone raised £4,990 for the charity.
Kim Loosmore, event organiser and trustee at Popham Kidney Support, said:
“It's fantastic to see the event continue to grow year after year. Reaching 50 teams and raising a record amount is great news for the charity and reflects the generosity of everyone who supported the day.
“A huge thank you to every business, sponsor, player and volunteer who helped make this year's event our biggest yet. The money raised will enable Popham Kidney Support to continue to provide vital support to children and young people affected by kidney disease across Wales.”
Joanne Popham, CEO of Popham Kidney Support, said:
“We are always amazed and truly humbled by the immense generosity of our local community in Swansea and beyond. To see so many people involved this year – from Kim's organisation of the day, to everyone who played, sponsored and supported it – means so much to us, and we are genuinely grateful to everyone who helped make it the biggest golf day we've held, both in terms of participation and fundraising.
“Kidney disease affects people in different ways, bringing both significant physical challenges and others that are less immediately visible. It impacts not only those diagnosed, but also their families and loved ones, who often carry that experience alongside them.
“That is why our support is so vital for people living with kidney disease and those closest to them. Whether it be peer support, counselling, education or wellbeing activities, we are there to support people at different stages of their journey.
“The funds raised will help ensure we continue to deliver activities that support children & young people Southeast & West Wales.”
