Following months of cancelled events due to the COVID-19 Crisis, and with a close eye on the current government advice on outdoor activities, it was decided that the Annual Blesma Golf Day could go ahead for 2020 at the prestigious Thorndon Hall Golf Club in Brentwood.

It would prove to be unlike any previous Blesma Golf event, with Anti-Bacterial gel being passed to each participant in their goodie bags, along with their snacks and water, and the Blesma Staff donning masks and gloves as they marked people in at the registration desk. However ultimately the day would prove a great success, and a hopeful sign that the ‘New normal’ is drawing ever closer.

In order to keep to separation guidelines only ten teams were in attendance, and they were each given a separate, staggered starting time to ensure there was minimal contact throughout their game. Nonetheless the atmosphere was jubilant as each team arrived at the club and were met by the Blesma Member they would be playing with for the day.

Professional photographer and close personal friend of Jon Bryant, David Tombs, kindly volunteered to take  photographs of the event, capturing some fantastic group pictures and ‘Action shots’ of each team as they started to play.

After a few rounds on the practice Putting green the teams were off, with the first group starting their game early at half past 8. They were closely followed by ‘Team Barry Hearn’ who were joined by Blesma Member, Pro-Golfer and double Amputee Mike Swain.

“It was a great day, with great company on a great course! I’m really looking forward to next Year” said Mike.

Barry Hearn, Blesma supporter and Thorndon Hall regular, said “It’s my first time at the event and what a lovely day, with fantastic company. Anyone would be inspired to meet these guys [Members], you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t in awe of how they’ve adjusted to everything that’s happened to them."

“The Pandemic is a disaster unlike any we’ve ever known; but at least we still have Thorndon Hall and can enjoy a round of golf!”

Blesma’s longtime supporters at the West Ham United Foundation were in attendance, along with England Team footballer Glen Johnson. The team got on fantastically with dedicated West Ham fan Matty Woolard, who was thrilled to play 18 holes with Glen.

Glen said, “We loved it, Matt’s a great lad, he has a touching story but he’s just one of the boys at the end of the day. We had a great day out there and the course was good. We played alright, a bit hot and cold, but we made some friends so happy days.”

The winners of the day were team Hill Partnerships - Richard, Henry and Pascal who played with Member Rob Linge, but it was fair to say everyone had fun along the way. The event managed to raise vital funds which will allow us to support our Membership, and moreover it has proved that a slow and steady return to normality is on the horizon for Blesma.