Scroungers dig deep for Kelly

Date published: 24 December 2014


Over the past 25 years they have raised more than £250,000 at their competitions, with the funds used to purchase high-tech powered wheelchairs for severely disabled youngsters.

The Scroungers come from a wide range of clubs, including Blackley, Saddleworth, Brookdale, Crompton and Royton and North Manchester, and for many years they have enjoyed the generous hospitality at Chorlton Golf Club for one of their competitions.

The Scroungers’ long-serving secretary Syd Barton, of Saddleworth, said: “Chorlton again gave us terrific support both on and off the course and their officials joined us for the presentation of our 175th powered wheelchair.

“It was presented to Anthony Kelly, aged 16, who lives with his mum Deborah in Blackley.

“He was born with pulmonary chronic heart failure and had no connection between his heart and his lungs.

“Anthony had open heart surgery three times in the first nine months of his life. He has a badly damaged heart and brittle bone disease, but he gets on with his life.

“He is a big fan of Manchester City. His hobby is watching television and he is on a computer studies course at Bury College.”

Anthony addressed the gathering of golfers and officials to thank them for their outstanding gesture.

He said: “This new chair will, make a big difference to my life, giving me much more independence and more free time for my mum.

“I would like to thank the Scroungers for their generosity.”