Raising funds for Hft

Swindon-based accountancy firm, Haines Watts, is helping to raise money for national learning disability charity Hft with a sponsored golf day at Wrag Barn Golf Club near Swindon.

The popular event, which will take place on Friday 24^th May, includes brunch, a Stableford competition , a chipping competition and a beat-the-pro event. This will be followed in the evening by a dinner, prize-giving, auction and raffle. Last year’s event raised more than £10,000 for Hft.

Martin Gurney, who is tax partner at Haines Watt Swindon, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring this fabulous day for the fourth year running. It’s always a great fundraiser for a fantastic cause and we’re grateful for the support of the local businesses and attendees who help us contribute to Hft in this way.”

Hft is a charity that supports people in the UK who have learning disabilities by providing a range of person-centred services. These range from domiciliary care to day-centre learning activities. Their approach helps enable increased independence and confidence, so that each individual can live their best possible life. The charity was founded in 1962 and pioneered the idea that adults with learning disabilities have the right to make choices about their own lives and the kinds of support they receive.

This will be the 34^th annual Wrag Barn Golf Day in aid of Hft and, to date, the events are estimated to have raised more than £200,000. The £10,467 raised by last year’s event alone supported three Hft projects:

• The completion of a wellbeing centre at Hft’s Redcatch site.
• The establishment of a new Voices to be Heard group in Gloucestershire, a forum through which those supported by Hft can air their views about the support they receive, be a voice in the community, and make suggestions around the evolution of care and support.
• The completion of a sensory room and summer house at Hft’s site in Cornwall.

The charity is very close to the hearts of those who take part in the annual fundraising event, including Wrag Barn directors Tim and Verity Manners.  

Martin Gurney confirmed Haines Watts is delighted to be supporting their local community in this way and hope to match or even surpass the amount raised last year, adding to the more than £30,000 they’ve raised through the events over the last three years.

“We can’t wait to do what we can to increase that total,” said Martin. “It’s a super day that’s always enjoyed by all who take part, so for it to be such a great fundraiser for Hft too, is incredibly rewarding. We’re honoured to be part of it and are really looking forward to 24^th May!”