Back in early 2021, Clive was appointed Captain of Cottesmore Golf Club and had to choose a charity to support during his year long tenure.  Aspire had come to his attention in 2010 when his partner Julie broke her back after falling from her horse.  Initially, Julie was admitted to hospital in Worthing before being transferred to the London Spinal Injury Centre at the RNOH in Stanmore.

It was a scary time for Julie and Clive, and for some time they were unsure about whether or not Julie would have a continuing need of Aspire’s support and care. Thankfully she did not, but throughout their journey the couple saw first-hand how Aspire provided support to people who had sustained catastrophic and life-changing injuries.  It was very sobering to both of them to hear so many stories of people dispossessed of their mobility sometimes in most tragic and cruel ways in seemingly innocuous circumstances and it stayed with them.

Becoming Captain in the midst of a pandemic was never going to be an easy task, but Clive really rose to the challenge.  Luckily in the summer of 2021, restrictions were lifted to allow outdoor events and so the Captain’s Golf Day was able to go ahead.  On a beautiful, warm summer’s day in June, the Club members had a fantastic day of golf with fun challenges and lots of opportunities to fundraise for Aspire.  Aspire patron, Rob Nothman attended and had a great day with his team.

Clive’s highlights of the year were “representing the members of Cottesmore Golf Club to the best of my ability; my Captain’s Day - A very warm summer’s day during which we raised £3,304 for the Captain’s Charity; and finally, choosing Aspire as my Charity.  I also must mention having the support and friendship of Honorary President, Paddy Dowzer in my year. What a privilege.”  (Paddy sadly passed away in January 2022).

 “All three or four have been influential in our support for Aspire. The generosity of the members in a year impacted significantly by the pandemic is wonderful. We have witnessed the best in people, week-in, week-out and Captain's Day brought Aspire, Julie and I together and put a face or two to the name and the Aspire cause.

"Since then, I have enjoyed the company of Paul Parrish and Paula Craig at my Captain's Dinner. A lovely evening where we shared our stories and had an opportunity to thank the members.

"The year has brought about some personal challenges as anticipated, but when I look back and reflect on the kindness of all of those donating to such a worthy cause and especially the very last donation, I know that every bump in the road was really no challenge at all, but simply a reminder that we should be grateful for what we have.

"I am proud of what we, the members of Cottesmore Golf Club and those closest to us, have done for Aspire and I am honoured that I am, in any way, associated with their cause.”

A massive thank you to Clive, Julie and everyone at Cottesmore Golf Club who supported them throughout the year and helped to raise an incredible £10,000 for Aspire.

How you can help us

How we help