Golf Monthly editor Mike Harris is teaming up with broadcaster and fellow golfer Genelle Aldred to take on an 18-hole round of golf with a difference.
On 13 July 2023, Genelle and Mike will play one hole at 18 different courses in Hertfordshire and north London to raise funds for Sands.
“As an ambassador for Sands since 2020 it has been a real honour to be part of supporting bereaved parents. I know all too well the journey of baby loss, my daughter Sade died in 2002 and it rocked my entire world.
“Playing golf has been beneficial for my mental and physical health. Getting out on the course, in nature and away from what loss and life throw at me, has been so good for my wellbeing over the past 12 months. So, the chance to play golf with Mike and raise some money for Sands was an easy yes!”
- Sands Ambassador, author and broadcaster, Genelle Aldred
Anyone can support Mike and Genelle’s golf challenge by making a donation. And Sands is calling on anyone who loves golf to take on a Golf for Sands challenge on their own or with friends this summer, to help support the charity’s work saving babies’ lives and supporting bereaved families.
“Genelle and I are taking on the Golf for Sands Challenge to ensure that everyone affected by the loss of a baby can get the support they need and deserve when facing the toughest of times.
“My wife and I lost two babies in late pregnancy. Christopher on September 21, 2007 and Rohaise three years later on May 21, 2010. We are blessed to have a daughter who turned 18 last year, but the loss of her brother and sister has cast a huge shadow over our lives and affected us in ways we never thought possible.
“Golf has always been so much more than a game for me; it’s given me an outlet when feelings of sadness or stress bubble up in my life. The golf course is a place to think and reflect and my time playing always helps me process whatever it is that’s going around in my mind.”
- Mike Harris
Currently in the UK, 13 families a day suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. No baby should have a higher risk of dying because of their parents’ postcode, ethnicity, or income.
Sands is determined to save babies’ lives, and make sure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it.
Both golfers will be posting on their social media channels about the challenge on 13 July.
Follow @GolfMonthly on Twitter and Instagram, @chasingthecut on Instagram for Genelle and @MikeHarrisGolf (Twitter) or @mickyh_1970 (Instagram) for Mike Harris.