The Mulligans Golf Society began life in January 2024, when Midlands Golfer Lady Editor Mandy Ambert, recovering from a life-changing liver transplant in April 2023, decided she wanted to give something back and raise money and awareness for the people and organisations who gave her a second chance at a longer life.
The Mulligans GS was formed and Mandy gathered an initial group of golfers who have also gone through similar life-changing experiences. Arranging charity golf days in support of the organisations who have helped them all is their common goal.
Mandy – Thursday April 18th saw our inaugural charity golf day bringing together 15 Mulligans, either transplantees, living donors or people who have donated their loved one’s organs after their untimely death. We also welcomed a father who’s 15-month-old baby had received a liver from a 28-year-old woman whose remaining organs including the rest of her liver saved another 10 lives.
The day went smoothly with Great Barr Golf Club being amazing hosts. Thanks to Josh Harvey the head PGA pro, Jan, Pascall and their team, a seamless service from start to finish. Not forgetting the ladies section with lady captain Julie, past captain Sylvia and Linda the vice-captain supporting us, with the incredible Jean, aged 92 sorting the cards. Their help was invaluable on the day. Linda is generously supporting the UHB charity (Transplants) as her designated charity for her year in 2025.
The majority of our 19 teams had a Mulligan GS member to play with a 3-ball acting as our ambassadors.
The shotgun start proved popular, and all enjoyed the Hog roast and a surprise birthday cake and cupcakes for double lung transplantee Andy Bright, (pictured)
Two players were live donors, 11 were transplants (Heart, Lung, Liver, Kidney, and Stem Cell) and two had made the decision to donate their son’s and daughter’s organs.
We welcomed golfer Dr Amit Adlahka an Intensive Care consultant and Lung transplant specialist to speak on behalf of organ donation and David Nix Honorary President of the Family Donor Network.
Laura Power deputy head of fundraising came from University Hospital of Birmingham charity to talk about the new transplant unit being opened in October and to reinforce the importance of making your family aware of your intention to donate your organs after death.
I had the honour of introducing each of the Mulligans and learn about their stories. Not a dry eye in sight and the feedback I received was one of enlightening and education.
We thank Coppertech for providing gloves with our logoed ball markers, Whitelodge group, Lichfield for supplying our logoed polo shirts and the amazing Beckie from Penn golf club for supplying the cakes also with our Mulligans logo.
The day successfully raised around £2,500 (final figure TBC) and thanks to the many sponsors, Midlands Golfer magazine, VIP Fly Premium Airport Rides, Huler, Complete Ventures, My Net Hub, The Croft nursey, and auction prize donations.
Our next event will be a corporate event held at The Belfry in Autumn, date TBC.
A final thanks to John Plant Images for the photography on the day
As a footnote, Mandy’s Mulligans are starting to receive national media attention. The BBC were at Great Barr too and she talked to them ahead of the golfing on the day. Have a read here…..
Staffordshire transplant patient sets up golf support group – BBC News
