Chorlton are great hosts for warm-hearted Scroungers

Date published: 06 November 2022


The Scroungers Golf Society - many of whose members are from Oldham clubs - enjoyed their annual golf day at the historic Chorlton Golf Club, who provided an excellent course and fantastic clubhouse facilities.

The Scroungers have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for over 40 years to buy powered wheelchairs to enhance the lifestyles of youngsters with disabilities.

Their first wheelchair was presented by Sir Bobby Charlton and this year Chorlton and Scroungers officials were delighted to present the 202nd wheelchair to six-year-old Klay Denton Hughes.

Klay lives in nearby Moston with mother Deletha, father Graham, 14-year-old sister Levea and brother Jay (11), and both of his siblings have disabilities.

Klay was born with a club foot on both feet and has had numerous operations to correct this.

At present he wears carbon fibre callipers which allow some limited walking, but unfortunately he can’t swivel his feet in a horizontal position and is waiting on further surgery.

Unfortunately his immune system has been affected and his right hand is deformed.

Other news is that Klay is a Manchester United supporter, while his sister Levea is a blue!

Klay attends St Margaret Mary School in New Moston and has two budgies and a French bulldog as his pets.

Chorlton Captain Gerry Gee has made club and county history this year by being the first lady to be the club Captain, and she has enjoyed many outstanding days at her club in 2022.

Gerry was allowed to be driven round the clubhouse by Klay on his new wheelchair as he sat on her knee.

Gerry said: “This was a wonderful day and one I will always remember.

“Klay is a delightful boy, always smiling, and I am sure that he has the talent to be a Formula One Driver in the future.

“The Scroungers do a wonderful job and Chorlton are only too willing to help them each year by hosting the event.”

Scroungers secretary and former Saddleworth GC Captain Syd Barton added: “We were blessed by superb weather a terrific course in great condition and magnificent clubhouse hospitality with Chorlton members giving us a very friendly welcome.

“I am sure that Klay’s family also enjoyed the occasion and that Klay will get great pleasure and extra life experience with his new vehicle.

“The Scroungers can now look forward to raising the funds for Wheelchair 203 in 2023.”


Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.