Beneficiary Spotlight - Kate Surman -

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« Back	Post Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Beneficiary Spotlight - Kate Surman Kate Surman had served in the Army since the year 2000, before being diagnosed with a rare form of Ewings Sarcoma of the lower mandible. As a result she had to have a year of chemotherapy and significant surgery to remove her jaw and rebuild using her whole left fibula. Read about how golf helped her recovery.

Beneficiary Spotlight

Name: Kate Surman

Regiment: REME

Rank: Captain (selected for Major, never got to wear due to illness)

Why did you decide to join the military?: I was brought up on the family farm and, as a consequence, knew from an early age I didn’t want a 9-5 job but to be outside and active. I threatened to leave school at 16 and work on the farm but was encouraged to get an education first. When I went to a careers evening at school and there was an Army stand suggesting that I could be sponsored to go to university whilst running around in uniform, being active outside, playing lots of sport and subsequently receive the training to serve my country. I figured that I couldn’t go wrong!

Date joined: Jul 2000

Length of service: 16 years

Why did you leave the military?: Rare Ewings Sarcoma of the lower mandible. A year of chemo and significant surgery to remove jaw and rebuild using whole left fibula. How did this injury/illness occur? 1 in 2 million chance…blip in DNA.

When and how did you hear about On Course Foundation?: October 2014. I heard about the opportunity once under a Personnel Recovery Unit. I was very nervous at that point to get involved as I had only just finished chemo and I was wearing a wig etc and lacking a lot of confidence.

What was your golfing experience prior to joining On Course Foundation?: None…..occasional pitch and putt course in flip flops with mates and whilst I was on holiday.

''It initially has given me confidence that I can achieve again and it has taught me a new sport/skill and given me the drive and motivation back that I had lost following my illness. It has given me competition back that I thrive for and also a continual aim. I feel comfortable around OCF members and the worries of disfigurement and scarring disappear along with any apprehension of being judged by others.''

Your experience of On Course Foundation so far?: On Course Foundation is an incredible organisation that has done wonders for me several fold. It initially has given me confidence that I can achieve again and it has taught me a new sport/skill and given me the drive and motivation back that I had lost following my illness. It has given me competition back that I thrive for and also a continual aim. I feel comfortable around OCF members and the worries of disfigurement and scarring disappear along with any apprehension of being judged by others. The networking opportunities are fantastic and I have made lifelong friends.

Your employment experience with On Course Foundation?: I did some event management work experience with OCF and had the opportunity to meet some great people within the golfing industry. I’m always interested in any one off projects or freelance style work to factor in around other commitments.

What do you hope to gain from On Course Foundation in the future?: I would love to continue to cut my handicap and one day make single figures. I would love to gain some more experience and confidence on ‘showcase’ courses to enable me to qualify and compete in The Simpson Cup again. I would also like to be able to continue acting as an Ambassador for the charity and do all I can to raise awareness and would particularly like to work closely with OCF when my club take on the charity next year as the captains charity.

In 2019 Kate became the first female to represent the Simpson Cup and was part of the winning team at St Andrews (watch Kate's story). She will also start her role as Captain of the Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire in 2022. Good luck Kate!