A FUNDRAISING event to kick-start a new trust for young golfers in memory of an enthusiast of the sport took place today (Friday, July 10).

An open golf tournament at Richmond Golf club officially launched the Andrew Jackson Trust for Young Golfers – a fund to honour the memory of Mr Jackson who died two days after an alleged assault on April 25 outside the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond.

Mr Jackson was a well-known and hugely popular figure at Richmond Golf Club, where he was introduced to golf by his grandparents as a child, and eventually because assistant professional at the club where he was known as Puppy Jackson.

Friends, 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 was 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 – it is a major problem for young players.

“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.”

Richmond Golf Club has waived its fee for the event, and club secretary Amy Lancaster said after Mr Jackson’s death the whole club had been in mourning as he had been a big part of the local golfing scene for around 30 years.

Mrs Lancaster said although Mr Jackson had no longer played as regularly, he had been a familiar face at the clubhouse and had time for everyone he met.

She said: “He was a true gentleman, great friend, and had such a beaming smile.”

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 and Ian Botham.

For information about the trust or to donate, contact Victoria Gaskell on v.gaskell@cuphosco.co.uk or Ian MacKay on mackaysafc@aol.com.