Leighton Buzzard golfer David Hawkins, a Bedfordshire County official and England enthusiast in the sport for over 30 years died suddenly on July 21 aged 71.A long-time Leighton resident and having lost son Paul with heart related issues ten years ago, David pioneered a national campaign with measures to help players with physical or mental health related issues.Leighton Buzzard golfer David HawkinsBorn in Bristol, David enjoyed a distinguished career with Royal Mail where he was Head of Contract Operations, overseeing the movement of more than five million postal items by air and rail each day.A keen sportsman, David was captain of Millbrook golf club in 1994 before joining Leighton Buzzard golf club where he became club captain in 2011 and then president in 2013- 2014.A dedicated volunteer and administrator within the wider game, David served as president, secretary and chief executive officer of Bedfordshire County Golf Limited earning the respect of clubs throughout the county.Away from the course he was deeply committed to supporting the wellbeing of others, making an outstanding contribution to golf across the county, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues clubs, resulting in Bedfordshire being named as England Golf County Of The Year in 2023.Along with colleagues Steve Whitney, Dave McGarry and Graham Freer David was responsible in the creation of Fore Your Mind, a mental health awareness initiative serving the region from its regional base located in Leighton Buzzard.This initiative received national recognition in the 2026 England Golf Awards where they were acknowledged for their pioneering work in promoting mental health awareness across the game.Leighton Buzzard Golf Club president Steve Leng said: “David was a tireless volunteer and life coach at Reclaim Life, a mental health and wellbeing charity located in Leighton Buzzard. David’s passion for golf, his tireless service to the sport and his unwavering commitment in helping others has left a lasting legacy. He will be remembered for his passion for golf, not only for his leadership and dedication, but also for his warmth, generosity and friendship”.David leaves wife Tina and children Kara, Christopher and Jennie; and stepdaughters Kim, Nicola, and Jo-Anne, sister Jane; and 15 grandchildren.Typical of his care for others, David had recently extended his Plantation Road home to provide additional accommodation for his four beloved Dalmatian rescue dogs.A long-term Liverpool football supporter David, who had been receiving heart-related treatment at Luton and Dunstable Hospital, was instrumental in working with colleagues at other Bedfordshire clubs and England Golf to launch Your Mind with Mind Mental Health First Aid England.A service at Bedford Crematorium at 2pm on Thursday, August 27 will be followed by a wake in his memory at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club.Continue Reading
Death of Leighton Buzzard golf pioneer who championed mental health awareness
