An “inspirational” sportsman living with a brain tumour organised a golf day to raise money for his football club and the Watford charity that supports his illness.

Steve Reeve was reserve team manager for Hadley Football Club in two spells at the Arkley-based club since 1977.

However, he began to feel unwell and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in June 2009.

Steve has now joined Disability Recreation Unity Movement (DRUM), based at Parkgate Youth and Community Centre in Southwold Road, Watford, which provides respite and support to 70 disabled members and more than 120 unpaid carers.

And after recently completing a 7.6 mile wheelchair push to raise money for DRUM and Hadley FC, club members enjoyed a round of golf to raise money for both organisations at Mill Hill Golf Course on Friday, September 17.

After a bacon roll and refreshments in the morning, golfers tee-ed off for 18 holes, followed by a three-course meal. The evening also included a question and answer session with special guest, Spurs legend and 1991 FA Cup winner David Howells, and a raffle and auction.

Prizes included membership to Top Golf in Watford, knitted golf club covers by DRUM member Yvonne Jackson and a painting of Tiger Woods by DRUM chairman Malcolm Cracknell, which raised £100 alone.

Steve said: “The diagnosis was a massive shock and from being a very fit and active guy, I became slow and unsteady on my feet, which brings big changes to your life.

“There was not a lot of help offered to me but by chance, a neighbour said that he had been attending a local charity called DRUM since he’d had a stroke.”

The majority of DRUM members were not born disabled but developed a disability through a sudden accident or illness.

The charity, which celebrates its 16th anniversary next month, is run by a management committee made up of disabled members, carers and volunteers.

Steve said: “On my first visit, about four months ago, I was made very welcome and found severely disabled people with big smiles on their faces. My neighbour, Dave, introduced me to the yoga sessions, not something that I would have thought about attending before. However, I find the yoga sessions very relaxing and it's not unknown to hear people snoring in the background.

“I have met some really interesting people at DRUM, who are having a very tough time but we all have similar problems. I can see from first hand experience just how much all the staff improve and enhance the lives of the disabled members and their carers.

“It is such a shame that DRUM is not mentioned more to patients by health professionals, as I feel certain that there are many more disabled people out there that would benefit and would love to be involved.”

Sarah Sullivan, DRUM manager, said: “Despite problems with his health, Steve has worked incredibly hard raising funds for our group, which will make a tremendous difference to the lives of all our disabled members and their carers. Steve is an inspiration to us all.”

For more information, telephone DRUM on 01923 442114 or visit www.drum.ik.com