NEARLY 300 golfers at Cumberwell Park raised more than £8,000 for the new Dyson Cancer Centre at Bath's Royal United Hospital.

The Bradford on Avon golf club's 2020 Captain’s Charity weekend showed how, in the midst of COVID restrictions, golf can still bring people together, as well as support the RUH’s charity, The Forever Friends Appeal.

Nearly 300 golfers enjoyed socially distanced golf, playing in an individual competition or as part of a fun team event.

The event also celebrated the life of Liz Hobbs, former lady captain and long-standing Cumberwell Park member.

A raffle was held for an array of prizes, including a water-colour painting commission, use of a Tesla for a weekend, and Tea for Two in London.

Rhyannon Boyd, the charity’s head of fundraising went along to draw the raffle prizes.

She personally thanked participants for their fundraising efforts and gave a talk about what the funds would be put towards.

Mark Hynes, Cumberwell Park Golf Club captain, said: “They are all heroes. The fundraising efforts involved huge and cheerful support from those buying raffle tickets, sponsoring holes for the weekend, donating prizes and cash, helping out on the halfway house and running competitions."Over £8,000 was raised, which, given the restrictions on holding fundraising events due to Covid, was brilliant to see.”

Laura Cherry, RUH Forever Friends events and community coordinator, said: “We are so grateful to Mark and all the club members who organised and contributed to this wonderful fundraising weekend.

“We know how much dedication and hard work went into the organisation of the event – on behalf of everyone at The Forever Friends Appeal, thank you so much.

“Their generous contribution for the new cancer centre will make a huge difference to the lives of so many people at the RUH.”