Golfer takes on unique charity bike challenge for men’s mental health cause

A keen golfer from Telford has taken on a unique charity challenge with a twist – involving three courses and his bike to raise money for a men’s mental health charity.

Joe Harris from Ketley, who works for award winning civil engineering and construction firm McPhillips, wanted to take on a test with a difference.

Golf hole challenges have become a popular charity event in recent years – with players playing 54 or 72 holes in a day at a designated course.

But Joe embarked on a Joe took in three different golf courses in one day, while travelling between the clubs on his push bike.

The 30-year-old finished at early morning round at the Wrekin, before slinging his golf bag over his back and heading off to Horsehay and on to Great Hay.

He had been inspired to raise money for Mates in Mind, a leading UK charity working with employers on mental health issues, after taking part in a football tournament for McPhillips earlier this year.

The event, held at Shrewsbury Town, raised £3,000 for the cause and prompted Joe to launch a fundraiser of his own.

He smashed his £750 target and is now closing in on £1k, with his employer McPhillips making a donation to the cause.

Joe said: “I discovered the brilliant work of Mates in Mind through the football tournament and they felt like the right charity to do something for. Then it was about picking a challenge that was something different and golf to be involved somehow.

“Cycling between the courses was certainly a challenge, but it was great to combine something I love with raising money for a worthy cause.”

While taking in three courses in a day and cycling between them may hamper some golfers’ games, it did anything but for Joe.

Having started at the Wrekin, he shot personal best rounds at the other two courses and joked that he may have to do it more often.

“I haven’t been playing well at the moment, and my mind was just on getting the challenge done rather than the golf,” explained Joe.

“Judging by how the last two courses went, I think I might be cycling to golf all the time now!”

McPhillips’ manager director Paul Inions added: “Well done to Joe for completing his challenge and raising money for such a great cause.

“We’re delighted to donate towards Joe’s fundraising and to a brilliant charity who we backed with our football tournament earlier this year.”

If would like to donate to Mates in Mind and Joe’s charity challenge, then head to https://www.justgiving.com/page/j-harris-4

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Editors notes

Award-winning building and civil engineering