Team teeing up to play 3 rounds of golf in 3 different countries in 24 hours for MND

Image: MND Foundation

A group of golf fanatics are planning a huge physical challenge in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) charity, playing an incredible three rounds of golf, in three different countries, in 24 hours. That is an exhausting undertaking, and has been dubbed the ‘Three Peaks of golf’ as a salute to the enormity and respect afforded that famous event.

Called ‘The MND Drive for Dean’ in recognition of the work by Dean Fox, 54, from Middlesbrough, (pictured above and below) a keen golfer, who has established the ‘Dean Fox MND Foundation’ after being diagnosed with the disease in August last year, and who has set about raising awareness and funds for research and support groups involved with this devastating condition. A group of his golf playing partners have created the concept, and support is rapidly gathering pace for the event which will take place over two days on June 27, and 28, beginning in Scotland.

After playing 18 holes at Lockerbie Golf Club, the 12 players taking part will drive to Wales overnight for the next leg, and hope to be able to catch a few hours of sleep there, before an early start on the next 18 holes at Llangollen Golf Club, a testing course in it’s own right. Given that each round of golf takes a minimum of four hours to complete at best, they then have to drive to the final stage, at Preston Golf Club in England, where another 18 holes await them, swiftly followed by a fundraising gala dinner - if they can stay awake.

When asked how this concept evolved, event organiser Steven Logan said: “Having arranged other events, we wanted something bigger and better than what we’ve achieved before, and as the ‘Three Peaks’ is already a famous “thing”, we thought we could adapt it to suit our passion - golf.”

Fellow organiser Ben Cooper added: “What an amazing, and unique challenge this is going to be, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of the ‘Drive for Dean’ team. My first thought was yes of course I’ll do it, my second thought was how on earth will I be able to do it, but then I thought about Dean and all who fight tirelessly against MND - it's a humbling reminder of the importance of rallying together for a cause greater than ourselves.”

Dean, who worked as a business coach, trainer and mentor, and his wife Christine, have two sons and two grandsons, and news of the diagnosis came on top of learning he had cancer earlier in the year. MND (or ALS as it is also known) is a condition that affects the brain and the nerves, and results in the progressive loss of motor neurons that control voluntary muscles and progressively worsens over time. It has no cure, and can significantly shorten life expectancy, as only 10 per cent of those affected live beyond five years.

Dean is hoping to be able to hit the first drive in Scotland to begin the event, and possibly also in Preston (pictured above). On learning about plans to stage the event by his friends, he said: "MND is a tough opponent, but we believe that together, we can drive change.

“The MND Drive For Dean is about rallying our community to stand united against this disease, raising funds, and spreading awareness. I'm grateful for the support we've received and excited about the impact we can make.”

Joining the 12 players for the final round in England, 18 teams of four players have already committed to take part in what should be both a memorable and historic afternoon and evening, celebrating the 3 courses, 3 countries, 24-hours concept, and it is sure to be an emotional one too as the Drive for Dean event concludes. Donations to support this incredible endeavour are welcome, and can be made via: https://gofund.me/0831f52c. Additional team entries for the final round in Preston are also still welcome - email steven@adrsas.co.uk.

Location: Middlesbrough.