Seven year old golfer attempts world record
George Hughes will play 5 golf courses in 5 countries in 24 hours
A gifted young golfer is on course to raise over €100,000 for charity by playing a round in five different countries in less than a day.
Seven-year-old George Hughes is attempting to break the world record by finishing this incredible undertaking in memory of his father, Dave Hughes, who tragically passed away from complications following a heart transplant. He will begin his fundraising campaign on Thursday, 20th June at 9.30am in Ballymascanlon Golf Course.
Speaking ahead of the event, his grandfather Tony Sedgwick, told the Democrat: “At just 18 months old, young George Hughes lost his father Dave in 2018 as he had a heart transplant at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, that sadly wasn’t successful.
“A charity Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association (FHLTA) was always there for Dave and also George’s mummy Louise offering accommodation, travel expenses, emotional support and so much more.
“When Dave passed away the family wanted to give something back to the FHLTA and so the fund raising began, with various golf events, with George taking part in all of them.
“The FHLTA support patients and families from all over Great Britain who awaiting a transplant, and without them so many families would have a lot more stress and worries.
“Over the years George has held his own golf day, and at just 5 years old hit 300 golf balls in 2 hours raising at that event £7,700.
“Not only are George and his family raising vital funds but also delivering a very important message about organ donation and the need to share your wishes with your loved ones so they know you wish to donate your organs, and save lives.
“As the funds grew, we sat a target of £100,000 which we never envisaged hitting but was a dream goal that keeps inspiring us.
“I would like to point out that through all the fund raising, George has never been supported by anyone famous or had any social media influencer that could reach millions and help gain so traction and increase the awareness of what George is doing.
“To date George has now got over £88,000 and is attempting what could be a world record as he’s playing 9 holes of golf on 5 courses in 5 different countries in JUST 24 hours, a mammoth task for a 7 year old boy.
“George will begin his challenge by taking the first tee shot at Ballymascanlon Hotel, then making his way over to Cloverhill Golf Club to take on his second course.
“From there he will get the ferry from Belfast over to Scotland and play Wigtownshire, before making the 5 hour journey down to Chester where he will tee off at 6:15. The final game will be in Wales at Hawarden Golf Club, where more family members will be there to cheer him on.”
The family are so grateful for any donations: https://www.justgiving.com/page/george-hughes- 170299567467