GOLFERS put their bodies, and minds, on the line for Macmillan Cancer Support's marathon golfing challenge.

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

Heddington Primary School headteacher 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 longest day challenge with friends Paul Kent, Matt Robson and Lee Collingwood.

The group, who started at 5.20am and finished at 8.20pm, and walked about 35km, have already raised more than £2,500.

Mr Martin said: “It 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 and every part of my lower body was aching.

“But after putting on the last hole we all said shall we do another nine. 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 more than £800.

Mr Goodwin said he was a great supporter of Macmillan as 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.

Macmillan nurses also supported Derek McGinley's 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. £800 will go a long way to support people in the community affected by cancer."

Readers can support the longest day golf challenge by visiting: www.justgiving.com/paul-kent7