Blind Knebworth golfer appeals for readers' help

A BLIND golfer, who has won two national competitions since The Comet helped find him a guide, is appealing for readers to help him to continue to enter tournaments.

A fundraising golf day will be held on September 22 at Beadlow Manor near Shefford, to raise funds to help Knebworth resident Billy McAllister continue competing.

Mr McAllister, 41, had been gradually losing his sight since 2003 due to diabetes, and woke one morning in September last year to discover he had gone blind.

The keen golfer contacted The Comet following a fruitless effort to find a guide in the area, and an appeal in July resulted in dozens of offers of help.

Mr McAllister, with his chosen guide Andy Dutton, from Stevenage, has since won two trophies at national level, and has dropped his handicap by 14 shots.

But with an average cost of �200 per person per tournament, and Mr McAllister unable to work, it is a struggle to afford to keep entering competitions.

“We’re appealing for people to take part in the golf day, and we are also appealing for sponsorship,” said Mr McAllister, who was an accountant before he went blind.

“It’s difficult to get sponsorship because there’s not enough awareness of blind golf.”

Mr Dutton added: “Billy’s attitude to life and to golf is brilliant. He’s an absolutely lovely guy.

“It would be nice to raise money for him so he can continue to compete in golf.”

The golf day, which will include a competition for 16s and over mixed, and one for under 16s mixed, will begin at 11.30am.

The cost per person is �30.

For more information and to book a place, email Mr McAllister at mcallister2612@gmail.com, or email Mr Dutton at aj.dutton@ntlworld.com or phone him on 01438 222895.