A BLIND golfer from Weaverham who was ripped off by a former guide is now looking for a volunteer he can trust. 


38-year-old, Danny Atkin, lost his sight in 2000 after complications from diabetes, and ever since he has been reliant on someone to help him get out of the house to his golf competitions. 


Unfortunately, Danny has fallen victim to dishonesty in the past, when a previous guide took advantage of his vulnerable situation. 


He said: “While I was away on a competition once, I wasn’t very well. My guide was in his room ordering food and drinks and putting it on the room bill, and when I left I ended up having to pay it. 


“It has left me really worried about who to trust. I have had guides on and off, but none have stuck. That is about it really.”


Danny is part of the England and Wales Bind Golf Association, and between the months of April to September, he competes approximately once a month is various destinations across the country.


Now Danny has told the association he may have to quit if he cannot find someone to accompany him to and from the matches.


Danny said: “Golf is so important to me. It gets me out of the house and doing something and it is a passion of mine. I really want to keep on doing it- but I might have to stop if I don’t get a guide.”


“I played before I lost my sight, and I hadn’t heard about blind golf until about four years ago, but now I know how great it is. The competitions happen about once a month and all the guide’s expenses are paid for.”


The golf enthusiast is seeking a guide to help caddy for him, drive him to and from events, and to line up the ball for him on the green. 


Although Danny has been offered help from a friend, he is not able to make the commitment on a regular basis and does not have a car to help out with transport.
One of Danny’s teachers and pro-golfer, Anders Mankert, spoke up on his behalf to help raise awareness and support for his ‘inspirational’ student. 


“It is a lifeline for Danny. He needs reasons to leave the house. To get people volunteering to help him on a more regular basis would be phenomenal. It would be nice for him to know that people do care.


“Danny is a lovely guy. He does need a guide, but he doesn’t want to ask for help. He was getting a bit down without one because he feels like nobody is interested, but most people don’t even know how they can help out!”


“If people could just give up one day a month, together we would be able to help give Danny back the opportunity to do what he loves.”


To learn more about volunteering for Danny, please call him on 07525 166705.