NewsCharity funds raised at annual Anne Williams Memorial Golf Day

The Anne Williams Memorial Golf Day, flourishing in its 14th year, summarised by organiser Andy Hudson – who just so happened to win the event’s most prestigious prize.

Since the 2013 passing of inspirational Hillsborough campaigner Anne, golfers have competed for a coveted trophy – and raised funds for charity – in her name.

From humble beginnings, the day has grown, donating more than £100,000 to organisations and drawing support from the likes of golf icon Tyrrell Hatton.

This year, the event moved to Formby Hall Golf Club – to Anne’s hometown – and while the surroundings were different, the sense of solidarity and purpose was the same.

“It’s a wonderful reason for us to get together,” explained Gareth Penman, another of the four organisers. “It’s a wonderful way for us to get together and we just don’t ever want it to end.

“When we first started this, it was for us to remember Anne’s name and keep her legacy going. And then, accidentally, we just became fundraisers overnight.

“We like to work with the grassroots charities; they’re like unsung heroes that we need to recognise.”

This year’s recipient will be Flourish & Succeed, one of Merseyside’s fastest-growing wellbeing organisations, which supports hundreds of people across Knowsley and beyond.

Launched 15 years ago by Michael Fielding MBE, it offers mental health groups, wellbeing activities, breakfast hubs, football sessions, family support, holiday programmes and more.

It provides a crutch; a confidence boost; a source of companionship to people of all ages, determined to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and forge lasting friendships.

• You can donate to Flourish & Succeed via the Anne Williams Memorial Golf Day JustGiving page here

“We run groups from parent and child right up to men’s allotment groups, walk and talks with women and men,” explains Sandra Fearns, Flourish & Succeed director.

“Anything you need, we’re like a one-stop shop for anything in the community.

“We’re really proud to even be spoken about in the same name as Anne Williams – such a powerhouse of a woman. It’s amazing.”

On the morning of the golf day, Craig’s Community Centre in Stockbridge Village is a bustling hub.

Parents and children buzz around inside, enjoying arts and crafts, while others bask in the spacious garden as the sun begins to break through thin cloud.

All around, staff and volunteers are coordinating proceedings with warmth and dedication, and their commitment is changing lives for the better.

“The first thing we learned about Flourish & Succeed was my grandson,” explains Karen Keefe, a regular attendee. “He’s autistic, and they had a SEN football team, and that’s how we started coming.

“It’s just developed from there, they’ve got so much for the community, and then this little place for the little ones, it’s just amazing.

“As soon as you walk through the door, you’re welcomed.

“It can be a bit lonely if you’re stuck in the house with a child and nowhere to go, and it’s just a nice little release for everybody.”

• To learn more about Flourish & Succeed, go here
• Contact the office on 0151 245 6111 or email flourishandsucceed@outlook.com

Over in Formby, golfers work their way around pristine turf.

Some fare better than others, but all are united by one aim – to raise money for charities in the city and to honour the legacy of Liverpool’s Iron Lady.

Anne’s son, Kevin, was just 15 when he lost his life at Hillsborough in April 1989.

She spent the rest of her days dedicated to unearthing the truth about what happened to him, and all the victims of the tragedy.

Anne is adored by the city she represented – and, thanks to the golf day in her name, her legacy has now been extended to helping charities with the values she held dear.

“I never knew Anne personally,” explained organiser Ste Martin. “But she’s just inspirational by the way she conducted herself all the way through what she went through after losing Kevin at Hillsborough.

“Whatever figure we give to the charity, the social impact that they carry out through supporting hundreds of people goes a hell of a long way.

“Every pound that we donate, they treble that, quadruple that impact, with the support that they give to the people that need it most, and we’re so very, very thankful for every donation that we get.

“The fact that we can do it in Anne’s name, when I talk to her daughter, Sara, and the family, that’s what they’re most proud about.

“The lasting legacy of her mum – that’s why we do it.”