A 14-year-old girl who completed an incredible 54 holes in one day to raise money for charity is this week’s Young Citizen Award nominee.
Emma Nagler, of Barkingside, took to the green last week to fundraise for IIH UK, which is dedicated to combatting a brain condition her older sister suffers from.
On Emma’s 10th birthday her sister was tragically diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a illness which increases pressure around the brain.
The ordeal was distressing for the whole family, but Emma resolved to do something about it.
“She’s been planning something like this for two years, all on her own,” mother Heather told the Recorder.
The charity day took place four years after Emma’s chance introduction to the sport.
After Heather won free TopGolf season tickets, Emma discovered a talent she didn’t know she had.
“She was a natural,” said Heather.
“She enjoyed it straight away.”
Due to a disability, Heather has never really had the opportunity to watch her daughter play.
That all changed last Thursday, August 10, when Emma teed off at Chigwell Golf Club, High Road, Chigwell.
“The best thing about the day was that I got to watch my daughter play golf,” she added.
“I am immeasurably proud of her.”
And as the day progressed so too did Emma’s support.
“By the last 18 holes she was joined by family, school-friends and fellow golf trainees. It was a really lovely day.”
Backing also came from Emma’s school, The Forest Academy, in Harbourer Road, Hainault.
Despite setting herself the ambitious target of £1,000 Emma surpassed expectations, raising a whopping £1,110 for IIH UK.
She earned a nomination for the Recorder/Rotary Young Citizen Award, which aims to highlight the inspirational youngsters in Redbridge.
The award is run by the Recorder in conjunction with Redbridge Rotary Club, and sponsored by The Exchange shopping centre, Ilford, which will provide each monthly winner with a £30 gift card.
The Young Citizen of the Year will be crowned at next year’s Mayor’s Community Awards.
You can nominate any person from Redbridge, as long as they are under 25, by emailing ralph.blackburn@archant.co.uk.
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