GOLFERS putt their bodies, and minds, on the line for Macmillan Cancer Support this summer by completing the charity’s marathon golfing challenge.

The longest day golf challenge saw golfers throughout the country completing 72 holes of golf in just a single day to raise money for charity.

To help raise further funds, Heddington Primary School head teacher Ashley Martin held a golf day of fancy dress and pitching and putting challenges for the children and parents which raised nearly £200.

He then travelled up to Herefordshire to complete the challenge with friends Paul Kent, Matt Robson and Lee Collingwood.

The group, who started at 5.20am and finished at 8.20pm, walking around 35km in the meantime, have already raised over £2,500 between them for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Martin said: “The day was exhausting but great fun. I wanted to give up after 36 holes between two and two-and-a-half rounds I hit the brick wall, every part of my lower body was aching.

“But after putting on the last hole we all said shall we do another nine holes, the adrenaline kicked in, it was such a good feeling to finish. We were all buzzing and we are planning to do it again next year.”

Mr Martin, who has a handicap of 24, said it was by far the best charity challenge he has completed and paid tribute to generous donations from Whitbread, Office Evolution and Oakwood Technology.

He added: “To know we have raised such a great amount of money for charity was superb.

“This was by far the best thing I’ve done because we were doing it as a team, had it just been me I would have packed it in but knowing we are doing it for the team, and that camaraderie, that spurs you on to the finish.”

At Chippenham Golf Club, members Mike Goodwin, Derek McGinley and David Wynne-Jones with friend Mike Geake raised in excess of £800 during the challenge.

Mr Goodwin said he was a great supporter of the Macmillan charity since both he and his wife have been treated for cancer, a disease which also claimed the lives of both his wife’s parents and his father.

Derek McGinley also has personal experience of the outstanding work done by Macmillan nurses as they supported his family during his father's last days.

Steve Goodrick, Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Wiltshire, said: “Believe me this is not an easy challenge, we are very grateful to Mike and his good friends and supporters who have raised a quite significant sum."

Readers can support the longest day golf challenge by clicking here.