Fundraising on the Fairway: Stafford golfer raises more than £6,400 for Dementia UK

A year of dedication has seen a Stafford golfer raise more than £6,400 for a charity close to her heart.

Heather Ernstsons, who was selected as the 2025 Lady Captain of The Castle Golf and Leisure Club, known locally as Stafford Castle, chose Dementia UK as her charity for the year. The decision was deeply personal, following her mother, Maisie’s, diagnosis with vascular dementia in 2017.

Over the course of her Lady Captain’s year, Heather organised and supported a wide range of fundraising events. These included a garden party, a coffee morning and raffles, all building towards the highlight of the year, Lady Captain’s Day. The event brought members together for a memorable celebration, with golfers taking part in Highland Games in a nod to Heather’s Scottish heritage. Many also embraced the spirit of the day by dressing as inspirational women, from Amelia Earhart and Mary Poppins to Madonna, with two members even dressing up as Lady Captain herself.

The wider club community went above and beyond to support the cause. Debbie Brackstone completed two open water swims, while Deb Kelly and Zara Taylor played 72 holes of golf back to back over 12 hours. Deb also took on the challenge of jogging a mile a day throughout an entire month.

A particularly touching contribution came from Heather’s grandchildren, who raised £670 through their ‘Ernies Walk’ fundraiser in memory of their great nan, Maisie. Ten-year-old Alex, nine-year-old Zachary and eight-year-old Max, joined by Rocky the dog, completed a walk in Cannock Chase alongside Lady Captain Heather, her husband Pete, and daughters Harriet and Henrietta.

Reflecting on the year, Heather said:

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of the members who have wholeheartedly supported my year as Lady Captain, giving generously and turning up enthusiastically to all of the events. A special thank you must go to the Stafford Castle club management for their support, to the other local golf clubs who have donated free rounds as raffle prizes, and to Stafford Bowling Club for hosting a day at their green for us. Also, to the Staffordshire businesses who have generously donated prizes, and to the members who have added to the total through their own events.

“I didn’t have a goal in mind when I first started my year, but I am very proud that we have collectively raised more than £6,400. Dementia UK is an extremely important charity, supporting the millions across the country who are sadly impacted by dementia. Having seen firsthand the impact of the disease when my mother, Maisie, was diagnosed, the charity was the clear choice for me during my year.

“Through a lot of hard work, a little bit of sweat, but also lots of fun and laughter, the Stafford Castle Ladies’ Section has done a fantastic fundraising job!”

Joanna Sullivan, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Dementia UK, said:

“We are so grateful to Heather for fundraising for Dementia UK. One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. It can be exhausting and overwhelming, not only for the person with dementia, but also for the people caring for them, and their wider family and friends.

“Thanks to the hard work of our amazing fundraisers like Heather, more families than ever will be able to access the life-changing support offered by our Admiral Nurses.”

For more information about the golf club, visit www.thecastlegolfandleisure.co.uk. To find out more about Dementia UK, visit www.dementiauk.org