London Golf Club will be playing a leading role in helping to raise money for seriously ill children across south-east England in 2024 after selecting Demelza as its official charity.

The Kent-based charity, which was chosen as the club’s official charity by staff members, is a hospice service which operates across Kent, south-east London and East Sussex and provides care to children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions.

Demelza supports both children and their families with expert clinical, emotional and practical support at every step – from first diagnosis and for as long as it is needed. The charity has hospice care sites in Sittingborne, Kent, Eltham, London and in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.

London Golf Club will stage an array of events over the next 12 months to raise funds and awareness for the charity. In addition to hosting the events, including a charity golf day, club staff will wear Demelza pin badges as part of their uniform throughout the year, donation tins will be present around the club, while orders of special charity dishes on the clubhouse menu will see money donated to the charity through every purchase.

Stephen Follett, London Golf Club’s chief executive, said: “We’re excited to have formed this new partnership and to be working with Demelza over the next 12 months.

“Demelza delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions, and as a club, it is an honour to support and raise awareness of the charity. I would encourage all our members and visitors to support in any way they can.”

As well as having opportunities to donate and fundraise, London Golf Club members, visitors and staff will be encouraged to find out more about Demelza through events and hospice site visits, including voluntary days.

Katie Hook, regional fundraising manager at Demelza, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Demelza has been selected as the Charity of the Year by the London Golf Club.

“This exciting partnership reflects London Golf Club’s commitment to local charities, and our collaboration will provide a platform to raise awareness and vital funds to support children with serious or life-limiting conditions, from first diagnosis for as long as we’re needed. We can’t wait to work together this year, thank you for so much for your support!”

London Golf Club, located in Ash, will continue to support The Community Cupboard in West Kingsdown, a charity it has supported in both 2022 and 2023 with seasonal food donations.

In 2023, the club also raised £10,000 for Prostate Cancer UK through a 12-month partnership.