A West Cumbrian charity golf day is helping save men’s lives.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men – with one in eight men getting the disease. And if you’re over 50 or you have a family history of the disease, then your risk is even higher.
But the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat.
The brainchild of Ian Andrew, the annual fundraising event has raised over £20,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and around £5,000 for other charities over the years.
Ian co-organises the event with Howard Nicholson, Kelly Morgan and Andrew Clemence.
This year’s sold-out event takes place on Saturday May 24 at Workington Golf Club and the quartet said their aims were to host a good day of golf and entertainment and highlight the importance of men getting checked out for prostate cancer.
Ian, 71, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014. At the time, he was told it was stage four and there was nothing more doctors could do for him.
However, he was given the chance to take part in an experimental programme in Newcastle and he decided he had nothing to lose.
Ian, of Seaton, was given the all-clear four years ago and wanted to give something back and help with the research into prostate cancer.
After doing the Gelt Gladiator at Brampton with his daughter and friends the year after his treatment, the keen golfer decided to launch a fundraising event at his local club.
It has now grown and 2025 will see 140 golfers tee off in the four ball competition.
Celebrity special guests include rugby stars Adrian Morley and Robbie Hunter Paul, plus Britain’s Got Talent finalist the impressionist Les Gibson.
Ian said: “It’s important that we raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK as the money goes into research for new and better treatments, looking for the ultimate cure.
“If it wasn’t for research like this, I maybe wouldn’t be here today.”
Howard added: “The event has grown and it wouldn’t be possible without the support and generosity of our sponsors. All 18 holes are sponsored and Myers & Bowman supply cars for the first tee.”
Andrew said: “We like to make it feel really special and thanks to Myers & Bowman we can make the first tee feel great for the golfers.”
The celebrities are being sponsored by William King Construction, Atkins Realis and Amentum.
Other sponsors include NRL, Protyre, the Unite and GMB unions, Patons, PTS and Barclays. The organisations have supported the event from the start.
Joining the sponsors line-up this year are, Whitehaven Golf Club’s professional, Maryport Bodyworks and Workington Rotary.
Howard said: “We couldn’t do it without them and all the other sponsors, the people who donate prizes and the loyal supporters who have backed us over the years. We are truly grateful.”
