£28,000 Raised for UChangeLives at Third Annual Golf Day

A staggering £28,000 was raised to transform local lives at the third annual UChangeLives Golf Day, as local businesses united for an event of fun and fantastic generosity. Held at the renowned Seaton Carew Golf Club, the competition has become a huge part of the local charity calendar in recent years, securing crucial funds to be split evenly between The PFC Trust and the North East STEM Foundation. More than 80 people took part in the day.

Ultimately, it was RTC North who claimed the top spot, closely followed by runners-up Plastic Processing. The RTC North team walked away with a sensational prize of a one-week stay in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, complete with two rounds of golf. At the other end of the leaderboard, Virtual Swing took home this year's infamous wooden spoon award. The PFC Trust’s founder Frances Connolly said: "To see this event grow so much in its third year is so special, and long may it continue.“

The incredible amount of money raised today will help so many different people in so many different ways.“Through the vital community work of The PFC Trust and the educational opportunities created by the NE STEM Foundation, these funds will genuinely change lives across our region.”Teams battled it out in excellent spirits. Ad Gefrin, Anderson Barrowcliffe, Walley’s Wonders, SST Group, Plastic Furniture Company, Academy Landscapes, Durata, Hartlepool United Football Club, Rephrase, The Build Directory/Anirvan Banerjee, The National Lottery, Owben, Meldrum's and Steel Benders also took part. Patrick Connolly won a private Trackman lesson with two-time European Tour title-winning golfer Graeme Storm, accompanied by an overnight stay at Seaham Hall - generously donated by Graeme and Steel Benders.

The success of the day was heavily supported by the host venue at Seaton Carew and welcomed former Leeds United and Republic of Ireland international Ian Harte too.Tania Cooper, the chair of the NE STEM Foundation, said: “The hospitality we received was fantastic and it was such a memorable occasion for the third year in a row.“Seaton Carew Golf Club is known for being one of the best courses in the country, and their staff went above and beyond to provide a fantastic experience on a magnificent course.“The sun was shining and everyone played their part in ensuring that such a fantastic total was raised to help transform more people’s lives. We look forward to doing it all again next year.”

This year’s event took place on the very same day as the funeral of local Cleveland Police officer PC Matthew Blades, who tragically lost his life in a crash on the A66 alongside his colleague, PC Tom Clough, after a VW Passat collided with their patrol car. A moving tribute and a moment of silence were held before the first tee to honour the officers. PC Blades was a familiar, much-loved figure in the local area, dedicating his free time as a football coach at the neighbouring Seaton Carew Football Club, situated just across the road from the golf course.

The PFC Trust’s operations manager Kelly Brooks said: "It was absolutely essential that we paused today to mark the passing of Matthew and Tom. “Matthew was a cornerstone of our local community, inspiring and guiding so many young people just over the road at the football club. “We couldn’t gather without paying our respects to two heroes who gave so much, and we want to ensure their families know that the entire town stands with them in their grief. "The golfers and attendees raised an additional £2,000 on the day. This extra sum will be donated directly to the grieving families of PC Blades and PC Clough. Eyes are already turning to the future.

The date for next year is set for September 8, 2027.As this is always a sell-out event, businesses and players are encouraged to get in touch early to secure a spot by emailing events@pfctrust.org.*Date booked for next year so get in touch to secure your spot for 2027 always a sell-out events@pfctrust.org 8th September 2027