A Beaconsfield-based pro golfer is gearing up to challenge some of the world’s top female players to more than just a game of golf.
Gemma Dryburgh, who currently competes across the globe as a member of both the American LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and Ladies European Tour, wants those in and around Buckinghamshire to join forces to help those battling with dementia.
This comes after her grandmother was diagnosed with the illness in February 2020.
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Gemma is challenging her elite competitors to join forces to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society to mark this year’s Dementia Action Week, which will take place between May 16 and 22 this year.
She said: “Dementia is an awful thing for anyone to go through.
“I really hope that one day a cure can be found, and it means a lot to me to play a small part towards that.
Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh on the 9th green during day three of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick. (PA)
“It is fantastic to be teaming up with Alzheimer's Society as I am keen to raise money and awareness for such a great cause.”
Gemma is planning to encourage her fellow players to pledge a donation to Alzheimer’s Society for every birdie they achieve during the Founders Cup tournament in New Jersey, a key event on the LPGA tour calendar, which takes place May 9-15.
This comes after her grandmother, Margaret Christie, moved to Beaconsfield in 2014, but is now living in a care home in High Wycombe.
She continued: “I am sure everyone taking part will put their usual competitiveness aside to come together, be ‘good sports’ and support such an important cause.
“We have always been very close.
“When I was younger, I would often go and stay with her and my grandpa.
I have fond memories of helping her to cook and going to my favourite park together.
“She was always there to watch me play various sports and has always played such an important part in my life.”
Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh (right) and her caddy during day two of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick. (PA)
Diagnosed with dementia in 2020, Gemma, who is Scotland’s Number One female player, said the news created mixed emotions for her family.
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She continued: “We felt more relieved than anything because it was good to finally have an explanation for what was going on and to be able to get her the help she needed.
“My grandma hadn’t been her normal self for quite a while and was finding things at home increasingly difficult.
“However, it was also a sad realisation that she would continue to deteriorate and that there is no cure for dementia.”
Visit alzheimers.org.uk or call 0333 150 3456 for any information regarding the illness.
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