Captain Jones backs Air Ambulance for charity pro-am

Paul Jones will mark his year as captain of the PGA in England and Wales (South West) by running a charity pro-am at Ashley Wood Golf Club where he has been head professional for the past three years.

The event on October 5 has been set up by the club captain Steve Sanger who also arranged the club’s only previous pro-am when he was captain ten years ago. His charity is the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance service.

But Jones was seeking a cause that embraced the whole South West PGA area, commenting: “I couldn’t find one so we are going to contribute to all five air ambulances in the region.

“I am also supporting Leaf  (Leukaemia Educating and Fundraising) , the charity I set up with my ex-wife Natasha (now Hunt) when she was diagnosed with leukaemia two weeks after our first son Alfie was born 13 years ago (brother Herbie is nine) .

“We started the charity to give something back to Poole Hospital where she spent six months in isolation and is now happily in remission. Leukaemia affects the whole family, not only the patient.”

Leaf raises between £50,000 and £100,000 each year and offers practical help for patients and families.

Funds are allocated to suit a person’s individual needs. This includes transport to hospital, looking after pets, food shopping or sorting cleaners, away days and holidays.

It also backs the Dorset Cancer Centre by helping nursing staff to attend blood cancer related training courses.

Jones said: “Natasha and I are still best friends and I continue to support her. Leaf runs on a purely voluntary basis and no-one takes a wage.

“I was one of 13 who raised £1,000 recently on a sky-dive, all the money from my pro’s day this year will go to Leaf, a big golf day at Remedy Oak raised £7,000 and an annual ball adds £15,000 to £20,000.”

AFC Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and actress Lesley Joseph are patrons while football manager Harry Redknapp is a keen supporter.

One third of the money from the pro-am will go to Leaf and the remainder to the air ambulances. Ringwood Brewery are sponsoring the day. It costs £180 for members’ teams and £240 for visitors who will also qualify for an extra round of golf.

Although Jones has played less frequently since joining Ashley Wood, he won the Bournemouth Professional Golfers’ Alliance championship for the seventh time this year.