JONNY Pearce’s family plans to make a hugely successful charity golf day an annual fundraiser for The Brain Tumour Charity in memory of the 35-year-old.
Jonny, who was affectionately known as JP, lived in Knutsford for 26 years, and died on November 25 last year after a four-year battle with brain cancer, leaving his wife and three-year-old son.
A golf day brought together his close friends, golfers and the community to celebrate his life, and raised more than £25,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity.
The fundraiser was held at Pryors Hayes Golf Club at Chester.
Jonny’s dad Kevin said: ”Jonny always said if any money was raised by anyone in his name, he wanted it to go to The Brain Tumour Charity, so they could use it to go towards research into finding a cure for such a horrible disease and hopefully help others who might be unfortunate to suffer the same illness as him.
“We didn’t have a clue how well it was going to go, but because Jonny was a golf pro he knew a lot of golfers.
“He was hugely popular and had lots of friends, and the money started pouring in.
Jemma Pearce, centre, with friends
“Initially we thought ’let’s go for £10,000’. We decided to set up the fundraising page and we raised over £5,000 almost straight away.
“Then we held a silent auction and tombola on the day, which raised thousands. We also had each hole on the course sponsored. Everyone was so enthusiastic about making it a success.
Jemma with Jonny's parents Kevin and Dot
“It was so kind and generous of everybody, who enjoyed themselves on the day. It really brought everyone together to celebrate Jonny.”
Jonny’s family now plans to make the JP Golf Day an annual event.
Kevin added: “The north region of the PGA have been very supportive of us as well and want to get involved again next year.
Jonny's dad Kevin, Jonny's son Max and his wife Jemma
“Jonny’s wish was to raise money and help find a cure and to make sure other people don’t suffer and have to go through the pain he had to go through, leaving behind his lovely wife Jemma and his gorgeous little three-year-old boy, Max.
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“It wasn’t about us. It was for his memory and to support the charity he wanted us to support.”
Kerry Roe-Ely, community fundraiser for The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We’re humbled to have the support of Jonny’s family and friends and the incredible amount raised from the JP Golf Day.
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“To see the community come together to support the work we do and raise vital funds for much-needed research into brain tumours was so inspirational.
Neil Myatt and trick golfer Ady Wheatcroft
“As the UK’s foremost brain tumour charity, we are leading the way for all those in our own community, in fighting this disease on all fronts.”
The Brain Tumour Charity is the UK’s largest dedicated brain tumour charity. Find out more at thebraintumourcharity.org/
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