A CHILDREN'S hospice will be in the money thanks to the fundraising efforts of a golf club.
Monica Foster, the incoming Ladies Captain at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club, has selected Hope House Hospice, which looks after terminally ill children from the Mid Cheshire area, as her chosen charity for the year.
The keen golfer, who has been playing for 18 years, is hoping to raise money for the hospice at a number of events at the Whitegate club throughout the year, kicking off with the launch of a special cookbook written by members of the club.
Monica, who lives in Hartford, said she chose Hope House as she knew any donation, whatever size, would be massively appreciated.
She said: 'I just felt this was a very good way of helping Hope House a little. We felt any donation we could give the hospice would really be appreciated.'
Monica has already organised raffles and staged a solo piano concert featuring herself, but is hoping to raise more than £1,000 from the sale of the cookbook which was launched this week.
She added: 'I had an idea a year ago that we should compile a Vale Royal Abbey Cookbook packed full of recipes and handy hints. I had no idea what it would involve but I got speaking to friends who had some great thoughts.
'The book contains recipes from family and friends and has contributions from all over the world. It has also got a few funny golf stories in it as well, and the chef at Vale Royal Abbey has even contributed to the recipes. It has been brought together by a number of people who have given their time for nothing.'
Hope House makes no charge to families, and receives very little statutory funding - voluntary income is therefore essential to ensure the continuation of the service. Since opening, more than 350 families have been cared for by the hospice.
Monica said she got involved after learning about the hospice through a friend. She said: 'Some years ago a teacher friend of mine was doing some fundraising for Hope House and she just got talking to me about the work that it does.
'When I became captain I thought it would be nice to do something for them as it is so near us. I have been to the hospice to see the work the staff do and it is very mind focusing. It is quite a wonderful place and they also look after the families really well.'
Apart from the cookbook, all the fundraising will be split between the two captain's charities. This year's men's captain Andrew Rogerson has chosen to help an arthritis charity.
