Golfers try to cycle from Surrey to Kyiv to raise money for Ukraine
They'll do it on spin bikes at their golf club
Staff at a Surrey golf club are going to try to ride spin bikes from Cranleigh to Kyiv to raise money for people fleeing Ukraine.
The challenge is part of a month of activities at the Cranleigh Golf and Country Club.
The club will be running a number of activities for its current members to raise vital funds to protect those directly affected by the conflict in Ukraine, with all donations going to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).
At least three million people have been forced to flee the Eastern European country since the start of the crisis. The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to provide and deliver aid to ensure successful appeals. The charities include Oxfam, Save the Children UK, Age International, British Red Cross, Cafod, Christian Aid and Islamic Relief.
As part of Cranleigh’s Stand Up for Ukraine Month, April will see the club host a pair of “Beat the Pro” golf events against the club’s head PGA professional, Jackson Jones, offering members three chances to beat his tee shot onto the par-three first green.
As the month moves on, it is tennis coach Ollie Kirk’s turn to take on the membership, with members able to pay £5 to try and ace Kirk.
The final fundraising initiative will take place back inside the club as the staff take part in a “spinathon”, attempting to ride spin bikes from Cranleigh to Kiev – a distance of 2,451 kilometres. This will see them manning the spin bikes for eight hours a day on selected days throughout the month.
Alex Milne, deputy general manager, said: “The ongoing crisis in Ukraine is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. As a club, we wanted to work together with our members to do our bit.
“It’s fantastic to see so many members of staff getting involved in the packed schedule of fundraising events and we’re looking forward to seeing how much money we can raise – and if anyone is able to beat Jackson and Ollie!
“We’re hoping to see lots of new faces join the club in the knowledge that they will also be making a difference to a hugely important cause.”
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