While the world of golf has come to a standstill alongside many others as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, British golfer Inci Mehmet is using her sport to raise money for the NHS.
The 23-year-old Ladies European Tour player has partnered with friend and former caddie Jack Sallis of Halcyon Golf to launch an auction to raise money for the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal. In just 24 hours the auction has already raised over £8,000 and is hoping to raise around £20,000 for the NHS.
Speaking to GiveMeSport Mehmet said: “During this difficult time for many, it was a no brainer to help Jack raise money for such a worthy cause. Our primary goal is, of course, to raise as much money possible to support our NHS staff.
“We also saw it as an opportunity to showcase the sport we all love, share what is possible by coming together and give people something to look forward to after lockdown with some incredible auction lots.”
The Ladies European Tour alongside the LPGA announced at the end of March they would be suspending competitions until at least mid-July following lockdown restrictions imposed across the world.
Fellow British golfer on the LPGA and LET Gemma Dryburgh has joined Mehmet in supporting the auction, with both players offering fans the chance to play with them as part of the auction.
Partner Jack Sallis added: "With the country in a crisis and an abundance of spare time on my hands I thought it would be worthwhile using that time and my golfing contacts to raise money to support NHS staff.
"Whilst putting this auction together the generosity of the golf clubs and individuals in the golf industry who we work with has been overwhelming, it's touching to see so many people from our community coming together to help others."