Insurance broker Sterling has organised the Sterling Cup, a charity golf tournament that raised £10,000 to help a young boy battling a rare form of cancer.
Five-year-old Archie Wilks from Saffron Walden was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2019. Archie’s father Simon works for Sterling, which held the tournament on Sept. 9 to help send Archie to the US to receive specialist care and treatment.
“We're so grateful for the support shown for Archie and the funds raised by the Sterling Cup,” Simon said. “Archie enjoyed seeing a few balls being hit and presenting the trophy to the winner. Everyone had a great day, and it was amazing to see people come together and have fun to help Archie.”
More than 40 golfers from across the insurance industry participated in the tournament, held at Hertfordshire’s Manor of Groves course. The Black Hats team, led by Rod Wellard, won against Paul Copeland’s White Hats team in a Ryder Cup-style competition. Rob Balls (nearest the pin), Terry McDowell (longest drive) and the duo of Martyn Holman and Nick Giddings (overall team score) took the other prizes.
“When I was asked to get involved, I jumped at the chance to help the lives of people that are going through a very difficult time and need our support,” Wellard said. “This was a lovely way to spend time with like-minded people from the insurance industry. With the weather being kind to us after last year’s event was postponed, it was a real delight, and to beat Copes and his team of White Hats was the icing on the cake.”
Numerous firms, such as Aviva, Bastion Insurance and Compare the Market, sponsored the competition. According to Sterling, it is looking to make the Sterling Cup an annual event to raise money for good causes.
“What a wonderful day, even the weather stayed fine for us,” Copeland said. “Archie was, of course, the main reason we were there and the money that we raised will be of great help to him and his family. Thanks again to all of our guests for making it such a special day and well done to the Black Hats for the win. I’ll get you next year, Black Hats!”
