European Tour stars visit injured troops at Headley Court

Top European Tour golfers Lee Westwood, Mark Foster, Sam Torrance, Melissa Reid and Oliver Fisher took time out of their busy schedules today to visit wounded members of the British Armed Forces at the Help for Heroes funded rehabilitation complex at Headley Court.

As patrons to the Volvo National Golf Club Challenge – the UK's biggest national amateur charity golf event supporting Help for Heroes – the European Tour stars were only too glad to ‘do their bit' in visiting patients benefiting from the purpose-built facility.

With its newly built swimming pool, Cardiovascular Gym, spacious consulting rooms and examination areas Headley Court provides a perfect environment forpatients to focus on their rehabilitation – and stands as a lasting tribute to the affection and support the people of Great Britain feel for those who serve in our Armed Forces.

Having flown in especially for the visit, World number 2 Lee Westwood commented "It is important to recognise the great work our armed forced do and the sacrifices they make. The servicemen at the rehabilitation centre at Headley Court face huge challenges in dealing with the injuries they sustained in the line of duty. Coming here today to show my support and appreciation is the least I can do. Through my association with the Help for Heroes Charity I like to do what I can, but I know who the real heroes are. And it's not me."

Stirred by his tourof the rehabilitation complex, Lee concluded"It is truly inspirational to see how you guys tackle the difficulties you face. The belief, hard work, trust and character you demonstrate every day is fantastic. If I can take a fraction of that onto the golf course this year, I'll be okay."

Commenting on his reason for visiting Headley Court with the other challenge patrons, popular European Tour player Mark Foster said "I'm here to give my support to the real heroes of our country, the service men and women who sacrifice their own lives so we can live ours. These guys are the definition of heroes."

Ladies European Tour player Melissa Reid, also an enthusiastic H4H supporter remarked, "I jumped at the chance to visit Headley Court as I feel very passionately about the welfare of our servicemen and women. I have a small understanding of what they go through and anything I can do to give them some encouragement in their rehabilitation process, I will. I know that some of them have long, tough roads ahead and if they are keen to develop their golf skills then I am only too happy to help!"

Everyone who toured the complex was rightfully impressed, includingveteran Ryder Cup star Sam Torrance who commented, "I feel very humbled visiting Headley Court today. Anything we can do to heighten awareness of what these brave individuals do in defending our country is a good thing. As a Patron for the H4H National Golf Club Challenge, we need to make sure that we continue to raise as much funds as possible to support their rehabilitation and to give them a chance to rebuild their lives. Obviously, if golf helps some of them to do that then I'll be very pleased."

The Volvo National Golf Club Challenge invites golf clubs throughout the UK to take part in June this yearin support of Help for Heroes. While the main aim of the national charity golf event is to raise money for Help for Heroes to carry on their great work, the Volvo sponsored event is at the same time an inter-club competition which culminates in a final at the stunning Turnberry Resortwhere the winning club will be awarded the prestigious ‘Lee Westwood Cup'.

Each of the challenge finalists wins superb golfing prizes, including state of the art equipment from event sponsors Titleist, Bushnell and Motocaddy, as well as golfing holidays from The Body Holiday and Your Golf Travel. Other event sponsors include Topps Tiles, Wedgwood and Sandals who have supported the Help for Heroes charity golf event since its inception.

There is no fee for registering to play in the Volvo National Golf Club Challenge; clubs simply do all they can to raise as much money as possiblefrom their event so that Help for Heroes can continue its magnificent work in improving the rehabilitation of our wounded troops.

For more information on the 2012 Volvo National Golf Club Challenge please go to www.volvongcc.co.uk.