OVER 50 amateur golfers took part in a charity golf day on Friday to raise money for the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group and Dorothy House Hospice.

The inaugural event, held at Cumberwell Golf Club in Bradford on Avon, was organised by 51-year-old Neil Davies after his friend’s wife, Gill Down, died of cancer just before Christmas.

Followed by a charity raffle, auction and meal, the event raised nearly £3,000, which will be split between the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group and the Winsley hospice.

Mr Davies, from North Bradley, said: “It was such a brilliant event and we were thrilled to raise that amount, especially as it was the first one we’ve organised.

“The care and support offered to Kevin and his daughter Hannah during Gill’s last months was immense and things could have been a lot of harder if it weren’t for them, so we're doing our bit to help them.

“We had players from as far as Harlow, London and Bournemouth and everyone seemed to enjoy the day – thankfully we chose to hold it on Friday, which was the sunniest day of the week.

“It was quite an emotional day as lots of people there knew Gill in some way – but it was also very nice to bring so many people together.”

Mrs Down was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 43, and during her treatment the family were helped by Dorothy House, which supported them and offered counselling.

In March, Mr Down and a group of friends completed the Dorothy House Bath Men’s Walk, which saw them travel from the hospice to Bath Rec.

And due to the success of this year’s charity golf day, plans are already in place to do it again next year, with May 18 earmarked as a potential date.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who had a hand in organising the event,” added Mr Davies, who works in the exhibition trade.

“We had around 10 auction prizes and 40 raffle prizes donated by local companies, including a tour of the Abbey Road Studios in London from the Musicians’ Union, a family day pass from Center Parcs and a season pass at Donington Park.

“We’re so glad it was a success and can’t wait for next year’s event already.”