A HOME care company held a fundraising golf day to raise money for Parkinsons UK and Dementia Forward.

The event was organised by Anthony Blackburn from Harrogate-based Home Instead Senior Care and combined a six hole reception course with a host of family activities at Rudding Park.

It was inspired by one of Mr Blackburn's clients who had been a keen sportsman all his life and his enthusiasm helped to establish the Golf in Society Harrogate club three years ago.

Since then, the social enterprise has held fortnightly dementia and Parkinson’s friendly golf sessions at Rudding Park.

Mr Blackburn said: “During that time we’ve introduced so many new people to golf, had two holes in one, proved how golf can improve your physical and mental wellbeing and, just as importantly, provided much needed respite support for carers."

He added: “George was one of my first clients when I started as a caregiver with Home Instead Harrogate.

"I had run golf sessions for people with dementia before but it was George’s idea to host them for people with Parkinson’s.

"He passed away recently but it is thanks to his legacy that so many others are now enjoying better lives with Parkinson’s as a result of discovering golf.

“George enjoyed sport all his life and in his later years that meant many an hour discussing the latest sporting news with me; memories I will always treasure."