A Heartfelt Thank You to Dickie Leitch for Raising Over £15,000 for East Kent Mind

East Kent Mind would like to express our deepest thanks to local fundraiser Dickie Leitch, who has raised an extraordinary £15,110 for our charity through his annual charity golf day.

Dickie’s dedication, energy and compassion have made a remarkable difference to the mental health support we provide across our communities – and this year, his efforts have deservedly been recognised with a Highly Commended award at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards.

Dickie’s fundraising journey began 14 years ago in memory of his dear friend John Solomon, who passed away in 2012. What started as a small charity golf day with 22 golfers at Westgate and Birchington Golf Club has grown into an incredible annual event attracting 128 participants and supporting charities across Kent and beyond.

A large group of people gathered indoors, smiling and cheering as they hold a large presentation cheque made out to East Kent Mind. The group stands closely together in a golf club

Supporting East Kent Mind in 2025

This year’s event, held on Friday 5th September at Canterbury Golf Club, was organised in support of East Kent Mind – a cause that Dickie describes as “close to my heart”. Thanks to the generosity of players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters, the day raised an amazing £15,110 for our services, helping us continue delivering vital mental health support to people across East Kent.

Over the past 14 years, Dickie and the golf community have raised an astonishing £131,937.71 for local charities, earning him Highly Commended award at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards.

This achievement reflects not only Dickie’s dedication, but the kindness of everyone who takes part year after year.

Thanking the People Who Make It Possible

We would like to echo Dickie’s heartfelt thanks to:

  • Westgate & Birchington Golf Club and Canterbury Golf Club
  • The volunteers, including the “Big John” at the halfway house
  • Dickie’s mum, sister, wife Franchesca, and wider family

All the event sponsors, including:

  • M&A Carpentry Ltd
  • SN Fabrications
  • I&G Contractors
  • Adeva Home Improvements
  • JDL Lifting
  • Woodmans Virtual Golf
  • Victoria Hotel
  • Gemho Renewables
  • Premier Diamond Products
  • Howdens Joinery
  • A Constable
  • L&C Carpentry
  • A&H Contractors
  • Red Flooring Design
  • Innox Asbestos Service
  • Lapel Mens Wear Hire
  • Advance Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
  • Sunbelt Rentals
  • Casement Signs & Graphics
A simple white graphic featuring text that reads “Dickie Leitch – John Solomon Memorial Golf Day,” along with a yellow heart-shaped logo for the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards and the words “Highly Commended 2025.”

And a final thank you to the person Dickie says he could not do this without: Mr Roger Hyder and his magnificent team at Canterbury Golf Club.

At East Kent Mind, we are incredibly grateful for Dickie’s commitment and are honoured that he chose to support our work this year. His Highly Commended award at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards is a fitting recognition of the impact he has made on our community.

Thank you, Dickie – your fundraising, dedication and leadership are helping to change lives.

If you would like to support East Kent Mind by raising funds for your local mental health charity, please visit our Fundraising page: here