We are walking in the footsteps of giants. That’s how Prostate Project Chairman Martin Davies described the late Jock Allan and Colin Stokes as he thanked John O’Gaunt Golf Club for hosting its annual charity day.
Martin thanked John O’Gaunt for its continued support. And, reinforcing the importance of prostate cancer testing, he revealed that one player who was tested positive at last year’s event had since received life-saving treatment and had now been given the all clear.
Ninety-two entrants took part in this year’s event, raising a staggering £6,850.
The charity day, launched by the late Jock Allan, is now woven into the fabric of the John O’Gaunt calendar. This year’s event was especially poignant as it followed the recent sad death of Prostate Project Ambassador Colin Stokes under whose watch £11million has been raised for the charity. Colin’s widow, Barbara joined Martin and fellow trustee, Mike Collins at the club, and helped make the day a huge success.
The day began with a 9am shotgun start on the John O’Gaunt course, beginning to look its beautiful Spring best. But conditions were testing, not least because the greens had been recently ironed. Winners of the 4BBB format were Club Captain Paul Fletcher and his partner Nicola Hunter who won the Jock Allan Shield with 44 points.
In second place, on 42, points were Jed Isbell and Stephen Richardson and in third, on 41 points, were Ian Riches and Andy Brown.
Commiserations to Peter Imray and David Holme, who also scored 41 points but were pipped on countback. Nearest the pin prizes were won by David Barlow (4th), Matt Hays (10th), Chris Pearson (16th) Jack Walker (12th in 2) and Steve McLaughlin (1st in 2).
The Man Van was once again present on site to carry out PSA testing, used to help detect prostate cancer. The team of phlebotomists carried out 64 tests consisting of 42 booked tests and 22 “walk-ins”.
During the meal, the Galabid auction came to a close, raising £4,265. In total. the day raised £6,850 which included £650 from the raffle and a generous £150 donation from club member Alan Eglen.
Enormous thanks go to Nigel Underwood for organising the competition, Jean Peacock, Pat Lloyd and Barbara Stokes for running the raffle, Sam Barlow for relieving players of their money and Dave Gauge for operating the drinks buggy.
