A NEW putting green has been installed at a military charity’s recovery centre thanks to a £44,000 donation from the rugby world.

The Help for Heroes Catterick Recovery Centre has received the cash injection from the Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation with the aim of enabling wounded, injured and sick service personnel to learn golfing skills as part of their recovery.

The money raised by the foundation also gave Help for Heroes the opportunity to buy a modified golf buggy to assist at Headley Court.

The Invictus Games UK team captain Bernie Broad cut the ribbon to the putting green yesterday.

He said: “I was introduced to golf whilst going through my recovery and it was such an enabler for me. It gave me a challenge and reason to get out of bed some mornings.

“The putting green in Catterick will enable individuals to get outside and do something out of the ordinary, clear their minds and just breath in the fresh air.”

The foundation began supporting Help for Heroes in 2016 when they helped Rugby’s Golf Club with a golfing event in Spain.

They created The Wasps Legends Rugby Golf Classic at the famous La Manga resort the same year, featuring famous names from the world of rugby including Willie John McBride, Simon Shaw, Kenny Logan, Roger Uttley and Tom Shanklin.

Since the creation of the event, money has also been raised for several charitable projects.

Mandy Lloyd, Help for Heroes head of partnerships, believes the putting green will benefit those who visit Catterick.

She said: “The donation has given our veterans the opportunity to practice their putting skills as well as bringing a smile to their faces on their recovery journey.

“None of this would have been possible without the kind donation from The Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation.

“Their generosity has allowed Help for Heroes to purchase vital equipment and their involvement continues to make a huge difference to the lives of many who pass through our doors.”