Fairway to Devon: fun and fundraising for Lighthouse Construction Charity

Oliver Revolta, Researcher & Copywriter

Charities focusing on mental health and emotional wellbeing can have a huge impact on lives across UK infrastructure.

Each July, these initiatives align with the fairways of a South-Devon golf course for a day of surprises and promoting important messages.

A word from QMS

Our Re-flow team were delighted to participate in this year’s Fairway to Devon charity golf event hosted by QMS, one of Devon’s premier line marking specialists – and a company we’re delighted to consider a close collaborator and client.

Greg Clark, owner and managing director, is the event’s driving force:

“The QMS Fairway to Devon charity golf day is something we do annually to raise money for the Lighthouse Construction Industry charity,” Greg said when introducing proceedings – which took place on a sunny 4 July at Dainton Park Golf Club near Newton Abbot.

Creating an atmosphere that aligns with the ethos behind Lighthouse Construction Charity

Fairway to Devon brought together people from across UK infrastructure, including multiple Re-flow clients. Everyone present was in some way connected to sectors supported by Lighthouse, and they contributed to a high-energy and positive atmosphere that aligns with Lighthouse’s approach to their work.

“Everything about the Lighthouse Club, ever since it was set up, is about fun,” Greg said.

“It was set up by a group of guys that just wanted to get together, have fun – all while trying to make a bit of money to help people within the industry. For a long time, they said they ‘put the fun into fundraising’.”

Greg’s experience at multiple fundraising golf days inspired him to mix things up. Fancy dress, karaōke, a £10,000 prize for hitting a hole in one on the 18^th, ‘beat the pro’, and custom rules for various holes kept competitors on their toes.

Lighthouse’s important work

As many will know, Lighthouse provide support for construction workers and their dependents – providing over £5m in charitable support last year, helping over 5,600 families, and providing over 5,700 counselling sessions.

With a focus on emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing support, they run a free 24/7 helpline, live web chat, text service, self-support app, support groups, and also provide training to employers.

They also make free visits to construction companies across the UK, reaching out to frontline trades to raise awareness of their services. The visit includes free resources and giveaways, plus:

Lived experience talks: An informal exchange of experiences, encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
A safe space for one-to-one conversations: The charity provide a private space for workers to chat with the team, ask questions, and find out more about the support available.
Free Resources & Giveaways

The day itself – Fairway to Devon 25

A shotgun start – with groups of four at each hole, triggered to start by a firework, then roughly four-and-a-half hours of golf that included a beat-the-pro hole against Hannah Bowen, advanced PGA professional golfer and coach.

Next, a carvery followed by a trick show with ‘The Golf Trick Shot Guy’ Paul Barrington, topped off with an auction that included course vouchers, a signed Exeter Chiefs ball, and a VIP box experience at the rugby.

Overall, the event was a huge success, adding to the £35,000 QMS have already raised for Lighthouse. “Today has been absolutely amazing,’ Greg said. “Couldn’t have gone any better.” At Re-flow, we agree.

Plans are already under way for next year’s event, which will of course also be in aid of Lighthouse Construction Charity.

How do you fit 60 competitors onto a golf course, and how do you keep spirits up in a way that’s befitting for the kind of atmosphere Lighthouse themselves create?