Golf day raises funds for Derriford’s Oncology Dept

A golf day, organised by the friends and family of the late Mark Sayers, raised £550 for the Oncology Department at Derriford Hospital.

The golf day was held on Sunday 25 August 2013 at the 9-hole course at Sparkwell, in memory of Mark, who lost his three-year battle with throat cancer in May 2013.

More than 30 golfers took part in the morning. The fundraising continued into the afternoon at The Chaddlewood Inn, with a raffle, an adaption of the television programme, ‘Play Your Cards Right’ and face painting for the children.

Hamish Stewart, a close of friend of Mark’s and one of the organisers of the day, said: “Mark was one of the four founding members of the Chaddlewood Inn Golf Society and played to a good standard. It was an easy decision to hold a golf day in his name to raise funds for the Oncology Department at Derriford, where Mark had undertaken his treatment of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During this time, Mark never lost his dry sense of humour and rarely complained.

“The day proved to be an amazing success. Over 30 golfers of all standards played with prizes being given for ‘longest drive’, ‘nearest the pin’, ‘champion golfer’ and a booby prize for the ‘worst golfer on the day’.”

The prizes were presented by Mark’s widow and his sister, who travelled from Brighton for the event, both called Melanie Sayers. After the golf, the golfers and their caddies, retired to The Chaddlewood Inn where the Manager, Rob Buckley, had prepared a buffet lunch for everyone.

Hamish continued: “The day could not have been possible without the help of local businesses, the support of The Chaddlewood Inn regulars and the local community. On behalf of the organisers I wish to thank, in particular, Rob Buckley and his team at The Chaddlewood Inn, Troy Nelson of The Computer Cabin on The Ridgeway, Vospers through Mark Tamlin, Emma Walker, Manageress of The Berkley in Plymouth, Lynn and Sue of Corals on The Ridgeway and in Chaddlewood and Borringdon and Elfordleigh Golf Clubs for their kind donations towards the raffle.

Special thanks are due to Sparkwell Golf Club, on providing a discounted green fee charge, enabling us to raise the funds,  Rob Murphy for Play Your Cards Right and everyone else involved in organising the day.”