GOLFERS who have dedicated decades to raising more than £1m for the North West’s disabled children have been nominated for a Your Champions team award.

After 28 years of fundraising, Helsby Golf Club Powered Wheelchair Appeal passed the milestone total in June – earning its committee a nomination for Team of the Year.

Committee secretary Penny Ainsworth said: “As far as we’re concerned, we are thrilled to bits to be nominated.

“We all work hard and we are all volunteers. Every penny that we raise goes toward wheelchairs.”

The appeal teed off in 1983, when members clubbed together to buy their first wheelchair for £641.

The charity – headed by a committee of eight – has since presented 291 wheelchairs to children and teenagers from across Cheshire and the Wirral.

In 2004 it donated 30 wheelchairs to young people injured during the Iraq conflict.

The appeal is now on track to present its 300th chair at the 30th Wheelchair Classic next June.

Founding member Bert Dyson, who was committee secretary for 25 years and was made an MBE for charity work in 2006, still offers his services to the appeal.

Penny said: “Bert is still a committee member. He is still going strong.”

Club spokeswoman Kathryn Hoather said: “The club is absolutely delighted with the nomination, with all the hard work that’s gone on over the last few years.

“The difference the campaign makes to young children’s lives is what keeps driving us on through the years.”

The Powered Wheelchair Appeal’s next fundraiser will be a Black and White Evening on December 3. For further information, visit www.helsbygolfclub.org.