MORE than £5,000 has been handed over to palliative and bereavement support charity Sue Ryder, following a fundraiser held in memory of a Reading man.
The Grub Golf fundraiser was organised in memory of James Sturgess, who died from cancer in 2017 aged 28.
James received expert and compassionate care from the team at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
James’ brother Mark, Mark’s wife Samantha, and family friend Jamie have been instrumental in organising and growing the event, contributing to its most successful fundraising total to date.
Mark said: “It means everything to me to organise this annual event in James’ memory.
“It’s the thing I am most proud of each year – not just for James but also in support of Sue Ryder.
“It helps me feel like I am keeping his memory alive, not just on the day itself, but throughout the many months of planning that lead up to it.
“It’s such a special event, with people returning year after year to help make it happen. “Everyone gets involved and has a great time – from teenagers to older participants.
“In fact, an 11-year-old came fourth in the golf challenge this year.”
The competition saw groups of four take to the fairway at Weybrook Park Gold Club near Basingstoke.
Trophies were awarded for first, second, and third place, with everyone given the chance to win something.
The winner on the day was Martin Dobie.
Away from the green, there was music from family member Charlie Luffrum, who donated his time and talent for free, a buffet, raffle and silent auction with lots, including a signed Tyrrell Hatton golf cap, a signed Chelsea football shirt, and a luxury stay at the Aviator Hotel worth £450.
Mark continued: “A big thank you to everyone who came along this year and to those who donated to the raffle and auction.
“We smashed our fundraising, raising £1,000 more than last year.
“It was just incredible.”
Sue Soffe, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Mark and his team for continuing to support Sue Ryder. “Thanks to people like them getting behind us, we can make sure no one faces death or grief alone.”
For information, visit: sueryder.org
