Darren Gough Joins Forces With Vertu Motors To Help With Fundraising Drive
Former England and Yorkshire cricketer Darren Gough swapped his cricket bat for golf clubs to help Vertu Motors raise more than £2,500 for people with life-changing injuries.
The former Yorkshire County Cricket Club captain and BBC Strictly Come Dancing winner was among 60 guests who completed 18 holes at Headingley Golf Club in Leeds, as part of a Vertu Motors annual golf day. The event, attended by customers and associates of Vertu Motors, supported Leeds-based national charity Day One Trauma Support.
For the past 18 months, Vertu Leeds Jaguar Land Rover based on Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, has supported Day One by hosting networking events and fundraisers including the golf day.
An auction led by Darren, and donations on the day, raised money for the charity, which supports people who have suffered catastrophic injuries, known as major trauma, as a result of incidents such as car crashes, falls from height, stabbings and sporting accidents.
Day One was founded by Leeds trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Professor Peter Giannoudis to support patients and families at Leeds General Infirmary, but now also provides the emotional, practical and financial support people need across the whole of the UK.
Auction prizes on the day included an England cricket helmet signed by Joe Root and a signed framed picture of current England Test team captain Ben Stokes, which were donated by Darren, who is an ambassador for Vertu Motors.
Paul Bamford, Divisional Fleet Director for Vertu Leeds Jaguar Land Rover, said: “We’re delighted to continue our support for Day One Trauma Support as we can see the direct impact the charity has on people who have suffered life-changing injuries. We all hope we will never need them, but it’s wonderful to know this charity exists and we’re proud to help raise awareness of this wonderful cause.
“At Vertu Jaguar Land Rover, we’re passionate about ensuring our clients always have the best experience, some have been with us many years and this golf day is our way of saying thank you for their loyalty, and joining together to make a difference in our local communities.”
Kirsty Christmas, Fundraising Manager for Day One Trauma Support, said: “A massive thank you to Darren and all the golfers who took part in this wonderful event to support Day One.
We don’t get any NHS or Government funding, so rely on the generosity of our supporters to ensure we can help anyone affected by catastrophic injury. Money from this event will make a big difference to help people in Leeds and across Yorkshire, ensuring they’re not left to cope on their own when their lives have suddenly been changed.”