Heacham Manor event raises £1700 for Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund
Speedway was the winner in more ways than one on Sunday as Dersingham-based rider Lewis Kerr held his fourth annual fundraising golf day.
The popular local racer, who has spent much of his career at the King’s Lynn Stars, has been busy in rehab and fitness work following a crash which ended his season in July while riding for Lynn in the SGB Premiership.
So it was fitting that this year’s golf day, held as usual at Heacham Manor Golf Club, has raised £1,700 towards the Speedway Riders Benevolent Fund (Ben Fund) which gives aid to professionals like the 28-year-old Kerr when injured.
And it was a speedway-themed team headed by Ipswich pro Danny King who prevailed in perfect golfing conditions. As well as King, those with connections to the sport included rider Ritchie Hawkins and Tommy Allen, brother of ex-Star Olly Allen – and they triumphed out of 14 teams of four.
Kerr said: “The weather wasn’t too bad, it was quite mild. There wasn’t any wind at all. It was a perfect day for it considering it was January.
“We wanted to aim to raise about £1,500 on the day and we got just short of £1,700.”
He confirmed the Ben Fund is a cause dear to his heart, adding: “Massively. Every speedway rider would rely on it if they got injured, you know.
“The legs I broke this season – without the Ben Fund I would have really struggled. If I can give something back to them, then why not?
“Every year I try to get it bigger. Next year I plan to get more auction prizes.”
Kerr added of the day: “It was a good day and everyone enjoyed it. Our team didn’t get into the top three. We had a couple of good golfers in there but I didn’t have the best of days! I struggled a bit.
“I didn’t play much last year. My aim is to get out a bit more. I’m more of a social golfer now. I don’t play enough to get frustrated. In my spare time it’s a release from speedway.”
He thanks his dad Robbie, who was the main organiser, and main sponsor Bespoke Estate Group.
Kerr has already signed for Championship side Eastbourne and hopes to announce his Premiership team in February.
Preparations for 2019 are going well: “I’m fitter and lighter than I was and I’m more than on track for the season.”
