A group of Andover golfers have putted off against cancer as they raised thousands of pounds in lifesaving funds.

Gavin Howard, Mark Thorne, Aaron Joyner and Ryan Tilley played 72 holes at Andover Golf Club on Saturday, June 19 to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and the Countess of Brecknock Hospice. Their challenge was in honour of Anna Joyner, who passed away after a short battle with cancer two weeks before the event.

Gavin told the Advertiser: “It was exhausting but exhilarating at the same time. To know what you are doing, and in memory of someone close, makes it just that little bit more rewarding for great charities so close to so many hearts.”

The Macmillan Longest Golf Day Challenge asks participants to play from dawn until dusk, as close to June 21, the longest day of the year, as possible to maximise the amount of daylight for the game.

The team’s challenge began bright and early at 5:30am on June 19, with the golfers teeing off at Andover’s golf course. They played solidly until, that evening, when they’d successfully completed all 72 holes by 7pm. The team said that the weather was “kind” to them, with 22 birdies achieved by the four teammates.

Cumulatively, the four men raised over £3000, with £1270 for Macmillan Cancer Support and £1750 for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice. This sum is enough to buy hundreds of Macmillan cancer guides to support those diagnosed with the condition to help them feel less isolated and more supported, or just over half a day’s funding for the charity’s mobile support service.

Depending on how much they raise, the group could be eligible for the final of the challenge in Portugal, where the top four teams will compete at the Boavista resort to be the number one and win the trophy.

If you would like to donate to their fundraiser, visit: https://longestdaygolf.macmillan.org.uk/Team/andovergc