Spurs legends get DRUM golf day on a roll (From Watford Observer)

Spurs legends get DRUM golf day on a roll

9:07am Monday 1st August 2011 in News

Spurs legends David Howells, Teddy Sheringham, Ian Walker and Darren Anderton were among the VIP guests at a golf day to raise money for Hadley Football Club and Watford charity DRUM on Saturday.

The event was organised by Steve Reeve, from Watford, who is living with a brain tumour. Before falling ill he was a keen sportsman and was reserve team manager for Arkley-based Hadley in two spells since 1977.

Between times he also ran a youth team for the Watford based club Herons.

In his last season as reserve team manager at Hadley in 2008/09, Steve began to feel unwell but it was not until June 2009 that he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Although the end of his involvement as a manager, Steve continued at Hadley in his role on the club's committee.

Steve is now a member of DRUM (Disability Recreation Unity Movement), based at Parkgate Community Centre in Southwold Road, Watford. The charity provides day-time activities to 70 disabled members and respite and support to more than 100 unpaid carers.

The majority of DRUM members were not born disabled but have acquired a disability through accident or illness.

The charity, which was recently awarded Team of the Year by HCPA (Hertfordshire Care Providers), is run by disabled members, carers, part time staff and volunteers. Day services include activities in art, ceramics, textiles, drama, yoga and angling.

Guests enjoyed a round of golf to raise money for both organisations at The Shire London (Barnet) on Friday.

After a bacon roll and refreshments in the morning, golfers tee-ed off for 18 holes, followed by a three-course meal, presentation of trophies, raffle and auction.

Auction items included a painting of golf legend Seve Ballesteros painted by DRUM member and Chairman Malcolm Cracknell.

The Shire is the only Seve Ballesteros designed golf course in the UK.

Special guests on the day included Spurs legends David Howells, Teddy Sheringham, Ian Walker and Darren Anderton.

Steve said: “The diagnosis was a massive shock and from being a very fit and active guy, I became slow and unsteady on my feet, which brings big changes to your life.

“There was not a lot of help offered to me but by chance, a neighbour said that he had been attending a local charity called DRUM since he’d had a stroke.”

This is the third fundraising event that Steve has organised since joining DRUM over a year ago, the second charity golf day. The money raised from last year’s event helped pay for art and yoga therapy sessions for DRUM members.

Steve added: “I have met some really interesting people at DRUM, who are having a very tough time but we all have similar problems. I can see from firsthand experience just how much the group improve and enhance the lives of the disabled members and their carers.

“It is such a shame that DRUM is not mentioned more to patients by health professionals, as I feel certain that there are many more disabled people out there that would benefit and would love to be involved.”

DRUM Support Workers Lauren Capel and Kathryn Potts attended Friday’s event with Sarah Sullivan, DRUM manager. Lauren said, "We had a lovely evening and everyone made us very welcome. It's great that Hadley continues to support DRUM and any money raised will help us provide activities for our members

“Despite many problems with Steve's health this year, he never gives up and battles on whatever the circumstances. This is the second charity golf event that Steve and Hadley FC have organised and we are all extremely grateful for all their support. Steve is an inspiration to us all.”