A TRUST fund to help youngsters make their mark in golf has been set up in memory of a keen player who died earlier this year.

The Andrew Jackson Trust for Young Golfers will be officially launched at a golf day at Richmond Golf Club on Friday, July 10.

It was devised as a way of honouring the memory of Mr Jackson who was passionate about helping young players achieve their potential.

Friends of Mr Jackson – who died in April after an alleged assault in Richmond - including Martin Catt, Bob Gaskell, Victoria Gaskell and Ian MacKay, said they wanted something positive to come from his death and felt the trust was something he would have approved of.

Mr Gaskell said: “The aim of the golf day is to raise awareness of the new trust, which has been set up with Richmond law firm Hunton and Garget, who have given us a discount in fees.

“There are trustees with experience in finance and business, plus we have some younger members of the trust who have been generating really good ideas about how to raise funds.”

Mr Gaskell added: “We all played a lot of golf with Andrew and he always said if he had a bit of money he would have made it as a professional – funding is a major problem for young players and can prevent some from being able to achieve their potential.

“We knew we had to do something between us and this seemed like the best way. The idea is to allow young players to come to us with requests, whether it is for new clubs, transport costs to get to a competition, or some smart kit.”

Miss Gaskell said Mr Jackson was always ready to help her improve her game when she was growing up.

She added: “Andrew was always giving me tips – he just wanted everyone to be a better player – but he was still very competitive.”

Mr Catt said: “Organisers of another charity golf event, the David and Mandy Reed Memorial Golf Day, have contacted us to say they will be donating some of the proceeds of their fundraiser to our trust, which is really touching.

“Richmond Golf Club is also allowing us to stage the event at no cost - It just shows the respect everyone had for Andrew.”

All proceeds from the golf day will go towards the trust, and the event will include a silent auction with prizes from retired footballer Steve Vickers, who will donate Middlesbrough tickets; and Ian Botham has also pledged his support.

To register a team, costing £80 for a four ball Texas scramble, to sponsor or donate prizes, contact Miss Gaskell on v.gaskell@cuphosco.co.uk or 07843-357194; or Mr MacKay on mackaysafc@aol.com or 07831-681981.