Sophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day Fundraiser goes from Strength to Strength

As we reflect on the 7th edition of the Sophie’s Appeal Golf Fundraiser Tournament, created and organised by 3D Personnel, we are delighted to see the fundraiser go from strength to strength. Sophie’s Appeal is a charity set up by Lin and Mike Barringer, in the aftermath of the untimely death of their beautiful daughter. We feel privileged to be able to play a part in fundraising and helping to put a spotlight on the great work done by the charity. Previously, the 2023 Sophie’s Appeal Golf Day Fundraiser and Charity Auction raised £7,731 for the charity. This year we are delighted to announce that despite the inclement weather we have nearly matched last year's total with £7,516 raised.To donate directly to Sophie’s Appeal please visit the JustGiving page. ​Image: A selection of the 2024 Charity Auction items Sophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day Fundraiser 2024 The 2024 Golf Fundraiser Tournament took place on Friday the 6th of September at our regular venue, the Boundary Lakes Golf Club in Southampton. Before heading out for the days golf, the participants enjoyed breakfast rolls and a catch up in the clubhouse. The golf as always was competitive despite the inclement weather, but with everyone in good form and happy to be out in the fresh Southampton air, laughter played just as big a part as the oohs and aahs on the greens.We were also delighted to welcome two Southampton Football Club legends over the course of the Golf Day Fundraiser. James Beattie (who is the Patron of Sophie's Appeal) and Shane Long were on hand to brighten the mood, despite the poor conditions for golf. We'd like to thank them both sincerely for helping us support Sophie's Appeal through our Annual Golf Day and Auction.Afterwards, following a 2-course lunch in the clubhouse and the awards presentations, the much-anticipated auction/raffle was held, where (as always) the list of items on offer was spectacular. Regular auctioneer Andy Meechan was once more on hand to assist Damian with the auction of the wide range of sports, music and movie memorabilia. Once again, the fantastic team at Boundary Lakes Golf Club went out of their way to help ensure that a great day was had by all. ​Image: Attending the 2024 Charity Auction - Laura, Damian, Shane, Alan and JamesSophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day Auction/Raffle 2024 A highlight each year is the Charity Auction & Raffle. The 2024 Auction was no different with a fantastic selection of items donated for this wonderful cause. Below is a list of some of the highly sought after items auctioned on the day: ​Lionel Messi Signed - Inter Miami Football ShirtKylian Mbappé​ Signed - Captain's ArmbandTiger Woods Signed - Golf GloveTyson Fury Signed - Boxing Glove Carlos Alcaraz Signed - Tennis BallLewis Hamilton Signed - Funko Pop Vinyl FigureEngland Signed - 2023 Rugby ShirtManchester United 2023/24 Squad Signed - Football ShirtLiverpool 2023/24 Squad Signed - FootballArsenal 2023/24 Squad Signed - FootballSouthampton 2023/24 Squad Signed - FootballChelsea 2023/24 Squad Signed - Street SignStar Wars Poster - Cast SignedNoel Gallagher Signed Photo in frameLiam Gallagher Signed Photo in frame​Image: Manchester United, England Rugby and Inter Miami signed shirtsOur wonderful sponsors of prizes for the 2024 Sophie’s Appeal Charity Auction/Raffle We would like to again acknowledge and thank, the fantastic group of prize donors for the Charity Auction and Raffle. They contributed in no small way, to the final total figure of £7,516 raised. Omnia – Jay PittawayNavigate Contracting – Brian ConaghanBright Sky – Adam ConnellTrant EngineeringArthur J GallaghersSouthampton Football ClubJames BeattieShane LongStephen DavisBoundry Lakes Golf Club3D PersonnelWe would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who donated cash and items for the Raffle on the day. Finally, to all those who bought tickets for the Raffle and who made generous bids on the Auction items. And to all the winners, Enjoy! ​Image: Mike Barringer talks about the ongoing work carried out by Sophie's Appeal​The 2024 Sophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day Roll of Honour And now for the great golfing achievement awards for 2024. We had a very competitive field on the day and in the end, despite the weather there were very fine margins between competitors. ​Image: The 2024 Individual Winner - Jay Pittaway with DamianImage: The 2024 Second Placed Individual - Peter Sharpe with DamianImage: The 2024 3rd Placed Individual - Pete Smith with DamianIndividual Golfer of the Day 2024 1st Place: Jay Pittaway - (43 points)2nd Place: Peter Sharpe - (42 points)3rd Place: Pete Smith - (41 points)​Image: The 2024 Winning Team - Mike, Damian, James and JayImage: The 2024 Winning Team receive their TrophiesTeam of the Tournament 2024 Winner: James Beattie Group - James Beattie, Jay Pittaway, Mike Smedley and Damian Doherty - (96 points)Runner up: Future Water - Mannie Singh, Peter Sharpe, Pete Smith and Joe Bierd - (94 points)​Image: Nearest the Pin 2024 - Kelvin with DamianNearest the Pin 2024 Kelvin Perry ​Image: 2024 Longest Drive - James BeattieLongest Drive 2024 James Beattie​Congratulations to all the winners on the day and thank you to everyone who took part and don’t forget to get the practice in for the 2025 Sophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day! ​Image: The 3D Personnel Golf Day Trophies 20243D’s Managing Director, Damian Doherty summed up the day! Our usual host for the big golf day outing, Damian Doherty was delighted with the 2024 event and had this to say: This is the 7th year of our 3D Personnel Charity Golf Day and I am delighted with the amount of money we have raised for this brilliant charity. Though we didn’t have the weather we wanted, we had a brilliant turnout, and I would like to thank everyone who attended the event. I would like to thank James Beattie, the Patron of Sophie’s Appeal for joining us this year and playing in the golf tournament. It was great to hear from Mike (Sophie’s Dad) that the money we raised last year helped cover the cost of 20 families attending the Rainbow Retreat Caravan. It is great to see that the money raised is going directly to the families who need it most. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all our sponsors who donated money directly. We look forward to seeing you again next September.In October Damian and our UK Finance Director Alan Meldrum, invited Lin and Mike Barringer to our office in Southampton for the cheque presentation for Sophie's Appeal.​Image: Mike and Lin receiving a presentation cheque from Damian and Alan representing the funds collected for 2023 and 2024A short history of the Sophie’s Appeal - 3D Personnel Charity Golf Day Fundraiser ​The 2024 charity golf day fundraiser was the seventh time the event has been hosted by 3D Personnel. The inaugural charity golf day fundraiser took place in 2017. ​Some of the special items auctioned off during the first charity golf day fundraiser, included a pair of autographed Gareth Bale football boots, a signed Lions Rugby Jersey, and a special presentation Anthony Joshua frame with boxing glove, from his Wembley heavyweight thriller that year against Ukranian, Wlasimir Klitschko. ​The event has continued every year since, apart from 2020, when due to the Covid Pandemic restrictions, it was cancelled. ​3D Personnel Managing Director, Damian Doherty, has this to say, about 3D Personnel’s ongoing association with Sophie’s Appeal. ​We were first introduced to Sophie’s Appeal in 2015, when we attended a charity ball in Southampton. Since then, 3D Personnel staff have been involved in fundraising for the charity. ​We get to see first-hand how the money raised, helps local children attending the Northbrook Children’s Ward in Winchester Hospital. In 2019 the charity opened Sophie’s Rainbow Retreat, at Rockley Park, Poole, where they give families a chance to enjoy some time away together. In 2017, we decided to raise money, through our 3D Personnel annual charity golf outing. This has grown year on year, and 2023 was our best attended event, so far. We would like to thank all our suppliers and clients, for supporting our golf days. Mike has done a wonderful job in speaking about the charity, and helping our clients understand where the money will be used, that we raise each year. 3D Personnel look forward to working with Mike and Lin over the coming years. ​Image: A display of some of the Auction items from the inaugural 3D Personnel hosted event in 2017 ​​​Sophie’s Appeal – The Background ​Sophie’s Appeal is a charity set up by Lin and Mike Barringer, in the aftermath of the untimely death of their beautiful daughter. Sophie Louise Barringer was diagnosed with Wilm’s Disease, a form of kidney cancer at the tender age of five. ​​Image: Sophie as a bridesmaid, aged 5 years of age Below is an extract from the Sophie’s Appeal website: ​Sophie immediately began an intensive regime of chemotherapy to try and shrink the tumour. Without surgery to remove the tumour her outlook was very bleak. After several weeks of chemotherapy, Sophie underwent a major operation during which her heart was stopped so that the surgeon could remove the tumour from her heart, liver and her left kidney. The operation was a success but, combined with the radiotherapy and continued chemotherapy, Sophie was very poorly. ​Following weeks of touch and go, Sophie, pulled through and became well enough to leave the hospital and go home to her family in Eastleigh. Family life became almost normal; interspersed with regular visits to hospital for chemotherapy, blood tests, transfusions and more. ​Life was turned upside down again when a routine scan gave us the news, we had all dreaded. The cancer had not been beaten and the chemotherapy was no longer working. ​Sophie died at home on 9th December 2004. Sophie’s Appeal - Projects ​Over the years, since the charity’s inception, Sophie’s parents, along with the board of trustees and their many fundraising partners, have helped preserve Sophie’s memory, by supporting many great projects. ​​​Sophie’s Rainbow Retreat – Rockley Park, Poole ​The culmination of the Sophie’s Appeal project was the launch of Sophie’s Rainbow Retreat on the 3rd of March 2019 (which would have been Sophie’s 21st Birthday). This involved the purchase and repurposing of a respite break facility, within the Rockley Park complex in Poole. Providing space for a family of up to six persons, over time, it has offered respite care to hundreds of deserving families, from all around the Wessex region. ​Sophie’s Place – Northbrook Ward at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester Having received some of her treatment on the Northbrook Ward, the charity helped to create Sophie’s Place, a purpose designed area of the ward, for treating children for routine treatments, tests, referrals from GP’s and more. ​Piam Brown Children’s Cancer Ward – at Southampton General Hospital ​This ward, where Sophie received most of her treatments, saw upgrading work, to improve the environment for children and parents attending the ward. ​Beads of Courage ​Started in 2004, this ongoing project sees children collect beads for the various treatments they receive, and for milestones reached in their treatments, and their young lives. ​Sophie’s Surprises​Special days out are arranged for children, to help give them temporary relief from the stresses of hospital surroundings. Theatre trips and theme park visits are examples of activities. ​Research​Special research projects are part funded by Sophie’s Appeal, including at Southampton General Hospital and University College, London. ​​You can see from the great work undertaken by the team at Sophie’s Appeal, why fundraising partners like 3D Personnel, are so committed to helping in whatever small way they can. ​Should you wish to donate directly to Sophie’s Appeal please visit the JustGiving page. ​Image: Boundary Lakes Golf Club in Southampton​​A Recap of Sophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day Fundraiser 2023 The 2023 Golf Fundraiser Tournament took place on Friday the 8th September at our regular venue, the Boundary Lakes Golf Club in Southampton in good weather conditions. In 2023 19 teams and over 70 players competed. Before heading out for the days golf, the participants enjoyed breakfast rolls and a catch up in the clubhouse. The golf was competitive as was to be expected and there were also some great interactions between teams as the day progressed. Back in the clubhouse the mood was boisterous, as some of the days great shots were relived and, in some cases, grew legs! A fantastic two-course buffet lunch was followed by the awards presentations and the much-anticipated auction/raffle, where once more the list of items on show was quite spectacular. Andy Meechan was a brilliant auctioneer and added greatly to sense of fun in the clubhouse. Following the speeches and formalities many stayed to enjoy the clubhouse hospitality well into the evening. Once again great praise and thanks must go to Janet Facer and the team at Boundary Lakes Golf Club, who as always provided a great service. ​Image: Suits you sir! – Damian models the signed Arsenal shirtA big thank you from 3D’s Managing Director, Damian Doherty As host for the big golf day outing, Damian Doherty was delighted with the turnout and had this to say after the 2023 event: I would like to thank every client who came out and supported our 6th annual 3D Personnel Charity Golf Day in aid of Sophie’s Appeal. I also need to thank many of our suppliers who have been very generous in donating to the charity. This event has grown year on year, and we are delighted to announce that we raised a grand total of £7,731 on the day. I need to thank the hard-working staff from 3D Personnel and Boundary Lakes for making this event a great success. We look forward to welcoming all our clients back next year and hopefully many more who haven’t been able to attend this time round. We know the money raised will help families across the South coast who are faced with the reality of cancer. Mike, Lin, and their team do wonderful work and we will continue to support them in the coming years. ​Image: Some of the 2023 Auction and Raffle itemsSophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day Auction/Raffle 2023 Every year the Auction & Raffle garners great interest. 2023 was no different with a fantastic set of items donated for this wonderful cause. A selection of some of the items auctioned at the 2023 event included: Maradona & Pele Signed Boots (pair of boots one signed by Maradona and one by Pele) Lionel Messi Signed Football Boot Roger Federer Signed Tennis Ball Tiger Woods Signed Golf Shirt England Squad Signed Rugby Ball 2023 Chequered Flag (full size) Signed By 2022 F1 Grid (Hamilton, Max, Russell, Norris, etc) Declan Rice Signed Captain Band Arsenal Squad Signed Ball Arsenal Signed Shirt Liverpool Squad Signed Street Sign Manchester Utd Squad Signed Shirt Ian Poulter Signed Golf Ball Harry Styles Signed CD Friends Cast Signed Photo Oasis CD signed by Liam & Noel Gallagher (when did that happen!) ​Image: Our Auctioneer for the day Andy Meechan with a signed Leo Messi bootOur wonderful sponsors of prizes for the 2023 Sophie’s Appeal Charity Auction We would like to again acknowledge and thank, the fantastic group of prize donors for the Charity Auction. They contributed in no small way, to the final total figure of £7,731 raised. Shield Contract Services – Steve CashaOmnia – Jay PittawayNavigate Contracting – Brian ConaghanSSC Services – Spencer HillBright Sky – Adam ConnellSouthampton Football ClubArsenal Football ClubMobile RocketBoundry Lakes Golf ClubGreenham (Bunzl)3D Personnel LtdWe would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who donated cash and items for the Raffle on the day. Finally, to all those who bought tickets for the Raffle and who made generous bids on the Auction items. And to all the winners, Enjoy! ​Image: Andy and Damian with the signed F1 Grid Chequered FlagThe 2023 Sophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day Roll of Honour And now for the great golfing achievement awards for 2023. We had a very competitive field on the day and in the end, there were very fine margins between competitors. ​Image: Golfer of the Day 2023 Darren Butler with Scott and Damian from 3D​Individual Golfer of the Day 2023 1st Place: Darren Butler 2nd Place: Eddie Sweeney 3rd Place: Rob Hayman ​Image: The 2023 Team winners from Knights BrownTeam of the Tournament 2023 Winner: Knights Brown – Rob Hayman, Tom Lawrence, Mark Smith and Dean Marlow Runner up: Ridon Joinery​Image: Steve Perkins who got nearest to the pin, with Connor and Damian from 3DNearest the Pin 2023 Steve Perkins ​Image: Jamie Bewick who made the longest drive with Scott and Damian from 3DLongest Drive 2023 Jamie Bewick Congratulations to all the winners on the day and thank you to everyone who took part and don’t forget to get the practice in for the 2025 Sophie’s Appeal Charity Golf Day! ​Image: A selection of the 2023 Auction and Raffle items​Image: Nathan Challis, owner of Chapter 8 and Damian Doherty at the 2022 presentation ceremony The 3D Personnel hosted, 2022 Charity Golf Day Fundraiser ​Looking back at the 2022 Charity Golf Day Fundraiser, we would like to acknowledge the fantastic support and sponsorship we received for this event. As mentioned previously, we had 18 teams competing this year, with a total of 70 golfers taking part. All entrants on the day, and those that couldn’t make it in person, but who kindly donated, are the lifeblood of this event. ​With such a strong field of golfers, combined with the fantastic facilities at the Boundary Lakes Golf Club, a competitive and exciting days golf was guaranteed. And the golf lived up to expectations. ​Congratulations to Jason Prewitt, on winning the individual event with 46 points Congratulations also to Nick Furner from Bellway Homes, Wessex and his team ​Janet Facer and the team at Boundary Lakes Golf Club, as always provided a great service. We all look forward to seeing many of the familiar faces back there for the 2024 edition. ​​Image: Damian Doherty makes a presentation to Nick and Rob from Bellway Homes, and their 2022 winning team Our wonderful sponsors of prizes for the 2022 Sophie’s Appeal Charity Auction ​We would like to again acknowledge and thank, the fantastic group of prize donors for the 2022 Charity Auction. They contributed in no small way, to the final total figure of £11,705 raised. ​Shield Contract Services – Steve CashaOmnia – Jay PittawayNavigate Contracting – Brian ConaghanTrant – Sean JordanSouthampton Football ClubBoundry Lakes Golf Club Greenham (Bunzl) 3D Personnel Ltd ​Auction items included tickets to various sporting events (Champions League, Premiership, T20 Cricket), signed memorabilia (including such luminaries as Pele, Seve Ballesteros, A P McCoy, Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, LeBron James and Neymar jnr.) and team memorabilia. And not to forget, clothing, signed CD’s and Wine and Whisky. ​Image: 3D Personnel, Managing Director, Damian Doherty, presents a cheque for £11,705 to Lin and Mike Barringer after the 2022 event, while the Southampton office staff look on ​Save the Date ​Friday 5th September 2025 is the date for the next instalment of our charity event. We look forward to announcing more details about the event closer to the date in 2025.As always, you will be able to enjoy a great day's golf, in fantastic surroundings, with a great bunch of people. You might even take home a rare Auction item. And best of all, you will be helping once more, to fund the great work carried out by Sophie’s Appeal. ​#savethedate – 5th September 2025! – Boundary Lakes Golf Club​​Should you wish to donate directly to Sophie’s Appeal please visit the JustGiving page. ​And for more information on the great work the charity does, please visit the site here, or see their Facebook page​