Team members from a York retreat will take on charity walk this weekend in memory of much-loved colleague.
20 colleagues from Sandburn Hall and Griffon Forest will be tackling a 13.5-mile walk from Flaxton to St Leonard’s Hospice in York on Sunday 4 October.
The walk takes place in memory of Sandburn Hall’s Head Greenkeeper, Andy, who was cared for by the Hospice at the end of his life in August 2025.
Sarah Balding, sales and marketing director, and Nathalie Hewer, golf sales manager, at Sandburn Hall have organised the walk.
“It was Andy’s wish that we fundraise for St Leonard’s Hospice after the team there provided such exceptional care to him,” they said.
“After discussing the different possibilities, we decided that this walk would be a fitting way to honour his memory.”
The walkers will be setting off at 8am from the Greenkeepers’ Shed on the golf course before making the 7-hour journey to the Hospice on Tadcaster Road in York.
“Andy was such a big part of Sandburn Hall. He took over the Head Greenkeeper’s role from his dad and worked with us for 23 years, so he really was like family,” Sarah added.
“As a founding member of the Greenkeeping team, Andy worked on the construction of the course; he was so passionate about his job. He’s missed dearly by us all.
“We’ll be wearing our St Leonard’s T-shirts with immense pride next Sunday and thinking of Andy every step of the way.”
Alice Howard, business partnerships fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the team for helping current and future patients, families and carers in Andy’s memory.
“As a charity, 75% of our funding comes from our community in York and the surrounding area. It’s thanks to local businesses like Sandburn Hall and Griffon Forest that St Leonard’s can continue providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care without charge.
“We’ll be cheering the team on along the way and look forward to greeting them when they reach the Hospice at the finish line.”
To support their challenge and help them hit their £1,000 fundraising goal, you can donate via the team’s JustGiving page here.