THE friend of a man who founded an annual charity golf day and raised thousands for charity has paid tribute to him as ‘courageous and selfless’.

Andy Kingman, from Andover, established the Alan Potter Golf Day in memory of his friend, along with Alan’s son Simon, with Neil Wells joining later.

Alan died in 2005 after a battle with prostate cancer, but before his death he told Andy about the PSA test, a blood test which is used to indicate the possibility of having the disease.

Andy visited the doctor and underwent the test, with results leading to him being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Fortunately, due to the early diagnosis, he was cured of the disease, and the golf day was born in 2006 to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK in memory of Alan.

But just two weeks after this year’s event, on August 30, Andy lost a three-year battle with leukaemia.

But even after his death the 62-year-old continued to raise money for charity as at his wake £1,000 was raised for Prostate Cancer UK through donations.

In tribute, Simon said: “Andy was incredibly passionate about the day and raising money and awareness about the disease. Even when he was diagnosed with leukaemia three years ago, he continued to dedicate his time to helping organise the event each year.

“Despite fighting two types of cancer Andy never moaned, he displayed great courage and dignity whilst maintaining his usual good humour. Andy always put the wellbeing of others above his own hardships as shown through his charitable and selfless ventures.”

This year’s charity golf day took place at The High Post Golf Club, near Salisbury, on August 16

It was revealed this month the event raised £8,000 bringing the total raised over the past 12 years to £138,000 for prostate cancer research. And this year 23 teams played in the usual format of Texas Scramble.

It was very tight match, but VES Ltd picked up the trophy to retain their crown for the third year running.

The golf was followed by a raffle and a sealed auction bid, with Adger Brown announcing the winners of the bids.

Next year’s event will take place on August 8, 2019, and will commemorate Andy and the work he has done over the past twelve years, as well as raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.