The Stratford Park hosts charity golf day for Scott Morris and the MND Association

Football and rugby players from across the Midlands went head-to-head on the golf course to raise thousands of pounds for their friend with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

A total of 72 golfers visited The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club to play in the charity golf day for Scott Morris and the MND Association.

The day at the course in Stratford-upon-Avon raised nearly £8,000 and has brought the overall fundraising for the campaign to £85,000.

Scott Morris, 44, was diagnosed with MND in June 2023 after noticing a twitching in his right arm and heavy feeling in his legs.

Prior to his diagnosis, he was a fit, healthy, 43-year-old husband with three young children, and since his diagnosis Scott has committed to raising awareness of MND.

At the same time his good friend Martin Lakeman, who captained the Bromsgrove RFC Veterans team which Scott played for, has been raising funds to help Scott make more special memories.

Scott was a keen sportsman and the Ryder Cup style tournament at The Stratford Park brought players together from two of his favourite sports.

The team of 36 footballers came away as winners on the day, which also saw additional fundraising challenges such as Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive.

After completing their round of the course, the players returned to the hotel to see that Scott had made the journey to see them and thank them for their support.

Martin Lakeman, who organised the day, said: “It was a fabulous day with lots of laughs and lots of golf, but I can’t say that it was the highest level of golf!

“The footballers came out on top and really did teach us rugby players a lesson, but the true winner was the fundraising for Scott and we were able to raise a brilliant £8,000.

“Scott joined us later in the afternoon and it was lovely for people to see him, he couldn’t talk much as his condition has deteriorated but it was a nice moment.

“We’d like to thank Beverley Haynes and the Stratford Park for hosting us, the course was great, the food was excellent and we really enjoyed the day.

“The fundraising doesn’t stop here and we are now looking at organising the next events which will enable us to hit the £100,000 mark.

“This is all about raising as much as we can for an incredible person as he continues to embody his ethos of ‘empowering hope with unbreakable spirit’.”

The Stratford Park Hotel and Golf Club is home to an 18-hole, par 73 championship golf course, all nestled in the Welcombe Hills.

Beverley Haynes, General Manager at The Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, said: “We’re proud to have been able to play our part in supporting Scott and his family. The players had a shotgun start and it made for a great atmosphere around the course and in the hotel after the round.

“We know that Martin and Scott’s friends will keep pushing on to raise more funds and we urge anyone who can to show their support.”

To donate to support Scott Morris and the MND, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/scotty-morris