Volvo XC90 helps charity golfing record attempt

Volvo is supplying an XC90 to support a golfer’s ambitious attempt to play the longest hole in the world – 1,100 miles from John O’Groat’s to Land’s End – to raise £250,000 for charity.

Money raised will be donated to the Orpheus Centre, a residential arts and learning centre in Surrey for young disabled people, and the Royal Variety Club.

The golfer, David Sullivan from Surrey, has been walking 15 miles a day in preparation for the challenge which started from John O'Groat’s on Saturday 20 August. It is estimated that David will take at least 24,000 shots over a minimum of seven weeks, which will require immense physical and mental stamina. If successful, this remarkable golfing feat of endurance will also earn David a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The ‘fairway’ for the world’s longest hole will follow open countryside with visits via 100 golf clubs en route - including Gleneagles and St Andrews - to coincide with various corporate fund raising days associated with the record attempt.

Volvo Car UK will provide a Volvo XC90 for David’s support team and will also be raising funds at all the Volvo Golf Club Series events this summer.

David's record attempt has been prompted by his own experiences as a child, and explains his determination to help disadvantaged children: "I am dyslexic, and as a child I was constantly regarded as being stupid but, worse still, I believed it," said David, who didn't realise he was dyslexic until he was almost 40. He had always tried to cover up his difficulties, and initially trained to be a golf professional until being deterred by the prospect of having to take exams.

David's determination to overcome his own problems also inspired him to help other youngsters with similar experiences. Having found his self-confidence had grown from excelling at golf, David bas been teaching children to play to achieve similar benefits.

"With its wide range of skills and time outdoors, golf is a fantastic sport which enables these kids to take a fresh look at their lives and what they want for the future," David added.

Anybody wishing to contact David, follow his itinerary, get regular updates during the challenge, or wishing to donate to the charity can do so via golfchallenge2005.com or by his email david@golfchallenge2005.com