Sporting legends gathered earlier this week to support a Swindon boy in need of a lifechanging operation.
Golfers got the chance to play on the fairway with cricketer Darren Gough and footballers Teddy Sheringham, Tony Adams, Dean Saunders, and even Swindon Town's own Charlie Austin at Wrag Barn in Highworth on Thursday.
Dozens of people donated a total of around £10,000 to be part of the Lancer Scott Golf Day, which helps to cover the costs of an urgently-needed operation for 16-year-old Hayden Hyde.
Family friend Dave Slattery spent months organising the fundraiser full of famous faces with help from Ross Saville from Lancer Scott.
Tony Adams said: “Steve Slattery was the England physio when I was there in the late 90s and he asked me to come along. I was happy to help – and I’m local, so I had no excuse not to!
“It was a nice hot day with a good turnout, everyone was delighted, and it was great to see my mate Teddy again.”
Teddy Sheringham added: “I met Hayden and his family, they’re lovely people, so hopefully we can raise a few quid for him.”
Dean Saunders said: “This is our way of giving back. The event is for a great cause, people are very generous, and we want to help Hayden in any way we can.”
Hayden’s family was thrilled at the special guests and the donated raffle prizes which added to their fundraising total.
Hayden's dad Dan said: “I’m a massive football fan, so to see them all there was brilliant, and the turnout was unbelievable. What an incredible day.
“So much effort has been put in to make it happen, we can’t thank everyone enough.”
Dave Slattery agreed: "We are so grateful to the celebrities and everyone else involved for giving up their time and money to help us in this fantastic cause. Hayden was buzzing!
"Tracey at Wrag Barn was brilliant - this would not have been possible without her help - and we're chuffed with all the positive feedback."
Hayden suffers from severe scoliosis which will limit his quality of life and cause constant pain if left untreated.
The NHS waiting list for the required spinal surgery is too long, so the Hydes hope to raise £80,000 for it to be done privately later this year.
The Walcot Community Shop previously pledged to donate up to £20,000 to cover any shortfall, so Hayden’s family has the peace of mind of knowing that the operation can go ahead.
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpinghaydenhyde or the Helping Hayden Hyde Facebook page.
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