Lottery winner builds disability-friendly course

David Lawrence, from Leatherhead, built the course after a lottery win

A £1m lottery winner who fulfilled his dream of creating a crazy golf course in his garden says he is welcoming organisations supporting people with disabilities to test it out.

David Lawrence, from Leatherhead in Surrey, made it his mission to create a golf course to host a community event after winning the money in September 2023.

He has invited local organisations including the multi-activity disability sports club Leatherhead Swans, supported by the Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied (Phab) charity.

Mr Lawrence said: "On top of winning the National Lottery, this [creating a golf course] is also like another dream coming true, I can't believe we did it."

Mr Lawrence, from Leatherhead, built the course after a lottery win

He also invited Leatherhead Link, a day service providing support for those with learning disabilities and complex needs.

Mr Lawrence, who is a retired Surrey County Council day service officer and has been fundraising for more than 30 years, says he hopes his putting course will inspire people living with disabilities to play golf.

"Many years ago I provided support services for a young man who had learning difficulties," he said.

"He was always very introverted except for the occasions we visited a local couple who had a small putting green in their garden and he would really come out of his shell.

"That was probably 20 years ago but I still remember the look of sheer joy on his face and if Dave's Putting Challenge can help and inspire children and adults with learning difficulties and social care needs in the same way, that's like winning the National Lottery every time."

The lottery winner opened up his back yard crazy golf course to community groups

The course has has three holes, each with a different theme, including Pudsey Bear to represent his fundraising for Children In Need and a jungle-themed hole featuring his granddaughter's favourite animals.

There is also an area known as the "boccia stadium" to celebrate the sport which was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984.

Jane Giblin, 44, team leader at Leatherhead Link said: "This is a magical day out in the local community which is providing social skills, a sporting experience, friendships in a relaxed environment and also a chance for our 'linkers' to try a completely new activity - crazy golf.

"Something like this, that can bring our local community together, is priceless."