A highlight in the region’s business calendar has raised a record amount to top the £100,000 fundraising mark to help soldiers in need through Support Our Paras.
England’s World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst headed the star-studded line-up at The Wigley Group’s golf day and gala dinner this year to raise £25,256 – the highest amount in the annual event’s history – taking the total since 2013 to over £120,000.
Money raised will go to the Wigley Support Fund (WSF), an initiative with the Parachute Regiment charity to help injured, serving and veteran soldiers with the transition from military to civilian life.
Special guest Sir Geoff was joined by other sporting greats at the fundraiser held at the De Vere Staverton Estate, near Daventry, and gave an after-dinner speech as well as presenting prizes to winners of the golf open.
They included stars from the world of darts Keith Deller, Mervyn King, Colin Lloyd, Justin Pipe, Trina Gulliver, Steve Beaton and Lisa Ashton. Parachute Regiment display team the Red Devils were also in attendance.
Former Paratrooper Jaco van Goss, ambassador of The Wigley Group, gave a powerful insight into overcoming life-changing injuries on the frontline to become a champion para-cyclist and adventurer, with his most recent challenge raising money for WSF.
Sir Geoff said: “I’ve followed some people in my time but it was very difficult to follow Jaco after hearing what he had gone through. It was great to be part of an absolutely fantastic cause.”
It is the seventh year that the golf day has been held by the property, development and construction company, whose headquarters are at Stockton, Southam.
Hosted by TV sports announcer and former paratrooper John McDonald, the sell-out event attracted some 200 business professionals from across the region, including a record 90 golfers.
Robert Wigley, chairman of The Wigley Group, said: “We are delighted to have raised a record £25,256 from this year’s event, taking the total over the years to over £120,000.
“None of this would have been possible without our supporters and we would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously.
“The Wigley Support Fund helps paras in their transition from regimental to civilian life, from university courses and trade training, to practical support and financial help. All of us at The Wigley Group are incredibly proud of what it has achieved so far.”