GREGG Stevenson, from Foulridge, who won the gold medal with Lauren Rowles in this year's Paris Paralympics competing in the PR2 mixed double sculls, seamlessly swapped oars for golf clubs when among 15 service personnel and veterans competing in a high profile annual charity event at Skipton Golf Club.

Monday's (September 16) again raised money for the On Course Foundation charity, which helps rehabilitate injured veterans through golf. It was the 13th event and former commando Gregg, who lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan undergoing a double leg amputation, competed at the first one back in 2012 and several more over the years.

The 12 previous events raised £300,000 and organiser David Rasche reports that the 2024 renewal will net another magnificent windfall in the region of £20,000, with £10,000 from the auction alone.

The veterans played with teams comprising business friends of David, who has organised each year’s golf day and a post-tournament charity auction. Brought up just down the road from the golf club, David now lives in Ilkley and is a member there, as well as at Skipton.

Also there to support the veterans and players was David Llewellyn, who has coached many of 900 plus veterans that have been helped by the charity over 14 years. David was a successful tour player in his time and now coaches other professionals, as well as veterans. He has just been announced as the Captain of the PGA for 2026 - an honour given to very few.

Prize donations for the charity auction were again impressive, 33 lots in total, including fourballs at prestigious golf clubs not only across England and Scotland – these went for upwards of £400 - but golf resorts in Mauritius and South Africa, with a seven night break at the latter bagged for £1,200.

Also up for auction were golf equipment, prints and clothing - some personally signed by top name golfers both past and present – VIP tasting menu at The Frog, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Covent Garden, a visit to a leading horse racing stable, which galloped away to £750, a half day’s driving at the Porsche Silverstone Track and one of Gregg Stevenson’s own rowing suits, which netted £600.

“It was another magnificent result and thanks must go to the many businesses and individuals who have once again supported us for this extremely worthwhile cause,” said David.