Golfers to take part in day commemorating ‘larger than life’ former …
A total of 100 golfers[1] will be taking part in a special event in memory of a 'larger than life' Lincolnshire man who died from a brain tumour[2]. Football manager and pub landlord Paul Walden, affectionately known as Wally, died in November 2020 at the age of 57.
His four friends Stephen Spring, Mark Heale, Ian Tyler and Ian Evison have now organised a commemorative golf day at Boston[3] Golf Club on Friday, August 18. 50-year-old Stephen Spring, from South Somercotes, first met Paul more than 20 years ago on the local football circuit.
He said: "He was a larger than life character and everyone enjoyed spending time with him." Paul had transitioned from a player to the manager of a number of semi-professional teams, including Louth Town, Spilsby Town and Skegness Town.
Poll: Where is best for a day out with the kids in Lincolnshire?[4]
He had also been a landlord of the Kings Head pub, the George Hotel in Spilsby, and had run his own taxi business, Wally's Taxi Company. Ian Tyler, 53, from Horncastle, lost his dad Geoff to a brain tumour in 2008.
Matthew Price (centre in pink) and Ian Tyler (second left) taking part in the charity golf day. (Image: Submitted)
He said: "Paul’s death came as a huge shock to everyone who knew him. He was a top bloke, always smiling and having a laugh and he was known by so many people.
"57 is such a young age to die. We are all really keen to keep Paul’s memory alive and we want to make the golf day an annual event."
This is the third annual golf day Paul's friends have put together, with all funds raised going towards the Brain Tumour Research. Last year, they organised a day at Sleaford Golf Club and raised £9,500 for the charity.
The inaugural event in 2021 raised £9,000. Mr Spring said: "We’re trying to raise as much money as we can. Paul liked his golf, and he was a decent player, so this is a good way to remember him.
"Brain tumours are devastating so we want to do what we can to help find a cure." Matthew Price, Brain Tumour Research's community development manager, said: "We are very grateful to everyone who is taking part in this amazing event in memory of Paul.
"They are raising vital money which will progress our research into brain tumours. This research will improve the outcome for patients like Paul who are forced to fight this awful disease."
The charity says that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, but just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the disease. If you would like to donate to the charity golf day, you can visit the Just Giving page here[5].
References
- ^ golfers (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ brain tumour (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Boston (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
- ^ Where is best for a day out with the kids in Lincolnshire? (xd.wayin.com)
- ^ here (justgiving.com)