Today was a very special and memorable day when the Thymic Charity cheque was handed over by Colchester Golf Club Captain Paul Smith. The on-going quest is Thymic Cancers will be granted funding from our National Charities after a successful outcome from the ground breaking Wendys Thymic research which is taking place at Guys and St Thomas.

This inaugural research into cell abnormality within this very rare and aggressive cancer has been made possible through the sport of golf the values and friendships and shear determination to help other sufferers in memory of Wendy.

Many of you will already know the circumstances which has driven me along with my supporters and friends over the past three years to achieve this goal for our dear friend Wendy Lodder. This unforgettable Woman was an avid golfer, England Golf Regional Manager and totally inspirational person who greeted everyone with her trademark smile to everyone she came into contact.

Paul Smith, a close friend to Wendy was asked to Captain Colchester Golf Club commencing October 2020 for the calendar year. This period as we are all know bore the brunt of various stages of lockdowns which impacted his fundraising efforts. Paul spoke to me soon after his appointment and said he wanted to become involved in the Thymic Fundraising  so had no hesitation in selecting his charity for the year Wendy’s Thymic Fundraiser. This was a very easy and quick decision for Paul but an emotional and extremely satisfying conclusion to a turbulent year.

His action was a huge step forward in spreading the word, knowledge and awareness of Thymic tumours and Thymic Carcinoma which Wendy suffered. This aggressive variant only affects 1:1,000,000 of the population so naturally three years ago the knowledge was very scarce.

Paul said upon presenting the cheque to me said “ I am absolutely delighted to have raised £2,500 over the 6 active months through various activities such as the “Captains bunker.” A fun addition where a specified value has to be paid if your ball ends up in the nominated hazard.

The majority of the funds were donated during my Captains Day which we all naturally donned our purple Wendy shirts, a trade mark colour remembering Wendy. I just want to Thank everyone at Colchester Golf Club for their generosity and assistance in making the day such a success.

I am thankful to Sarah Bennett who keeps the purple flag flying and pushing forward with the charitable work as Wendy had requested so others may have an opportunity of a curative outcome.

Sarah, you are doing a great job with all you do, especially next year as PGA Captain”

The monies raised for Wendy’s Thymic Fundraiser to date is just under £40,000 which is monumental, but I do have another surprise which will continue to add to this amount which will be announced the day after I take over as PGA Captain for 2022 just watch this space.

I could never have though this were possible to receive such backing which really demonstrates the impact of our late friend and colleague.

I recall when I was sending e mails to her friends for the first ever Golf Day in July 2018 held 3 months prior to her passing Wendy said “ Do you think 20 golfers is a realistic number?” when 110 applied we had to close the entries showing the popularity Wendy.

I am absolutely determined with everyone’s assistance we will continue with the Golf days which are a celebration of all which the game can bring and the shear joy it can make to people’s lives.

I am super excited to announce our fourth Wendy’s Charity Golf Day will be held at Orsett Golf August 9th which is a top course in Essex so will be a popular venue so save the date in your diary until the form is posted on my website.

A huge Thank you to Paul Smith and to Linda Cross (Lady Captain 2021-22 Orsett Golf Club) for selecting our Wendy’s Thymic Fundraiser Charity. We have all been affected with the loss and affects of our loved ones from a variety of cancers, but I am so humbled and touched you have selected to support the FOO as Wendy called it.

Thank you everyone, stay well I look forward to seeing you next year at Orsett Golf Club