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Sir Gareth Southgate helps raise £23,000 for Martin House at Ilkley golf event

Sir Gareth Southgate is currently an ambassador for the hospice.

Sir Gareth Southgate was among a host of sporting stars who helped raise more than £23,000 for Martin House Children’s Hospice at Ilkley Golf Club.

The former England manager joined famous faces from across the sporting world for the two-day Yorkshire Invitational, hosted by golfing legend Colin Montgomerie OBE.

Among those taking part were Jason Robinson, Zinzan Brooke, Steve Harmison, Lee Dixon, Andy Cole and Dame Laura Davies, alongside a number of professional golfers.

The event raised £23,361.70 for Martin House, which supports children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families across Yorkshire.

Sir Gareth, a long-term ambassador for Martin House, said:

“I'd say my golf went from average to reasonably good! It was certainly nerve-wracking teeing off in front of a crowd at the start.

“It's been a brilliant event, and the fact that the money is going to Martin House is very special.

"It costs a lot to keep the hospice running each year, so events like today are great for raising both the charity's profile and valuable funds.”

More than 1,600 spectators had registered ahead of the event.

The Invitational culminated in a professional tournament, won by Chris Hanson on two-under-par, one shot ahead of Oliver Fisher.

Howard Rishton, from Clitheroe Golf Club, also recorded a hole-in-one at the 15th after hitting a six iron into a strong wind.

Michelle Ford, Regional and Events Team Manager at Martin House, said:

“We're incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the Yorkshire Invitational for choosing Martin House as its charity partner and helping to raise such a fantastic amount.

“Every pound raised will help us continue providing specialist care and support to children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, across Yorkshire.”

The Yorkshire Invitational was organised by SGH Sporting Events and gave amateur golfers the chance to play alongside leading names from professional golf and sport.

Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people and their families each year, providing care at its Boston Spa hospice, in hospitals and in families' homes.

Its services cost around £13million each year to provide, with the majority of funding coming through donations and fundraising.

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