Patron puts on price-less day for final golf fundraiser

30th August 2016

A former patient turned Patron has raised over a staggering £250,000 for his local cancer charity by hosting his 7th and final golf day.

John Price and his wife, Anne of Sandygate, held their popular annual fundraiser this July at Hallamshire Golf Club for the final time to raise more money for Weston Park Cancer Charity after John was diagnosed with kidney cancer and received treatment in 1998. Each year, grandfather and father of 2, John, has hosted a themed golf day and invited friends and local businesses to join him in support of the hospital that saved his life. Weston Park Hospital is one of only a handful of specialist cancer hospitals in England and treats patients from all over South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire a population of almost 1.8million people. With a mix of themes, including James Bond and Blues brothers, the golf day has grown in popularity over the years and has seen appearances from local MP, Nick Clegg, golfing ace, Matt Fitzpatrick, cricket star, Joe Root as well as BBC Sports Presenter, Dan Walker. -We never imagined, back in 2009, that holding a golf day each year would raise such an unbelievable amount for Weston Park Cancer Charity. Said John. -The support from our friends, family and local businesses has been incredible and without this, we could never have achieved such a brilliant total. -When I received treatment for my cancer all those years ago, I was told that my options were limited, but offered the chance to go on a ground-breaking new trial. I always said I would raise money to cover the cost of the trial which was £100,000, and almost 20 years later, we've raised over double that. This year's theme was suitably 'Keeping Families Together 'Fore' Longer' and saw a total of 58 teams make their way around the scenic course wearing emblazoned polo shirts in support of the cancer charity. With an auction, raffle and evening presentation, guests enjoyed a day on the course followed by a few final words from John to say thank you to those who have made his remarkable fundraising efforts possible over the years. John continued, -It's unbelievable, that thanks to people's continued support, we've managed to raise more year on year and end on such a high, raising our biggest amount of £46,086 on the final year. Weston Park Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for the hospital and exists to support the world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer. Throughout 2016 the charity will fund various projects to enable the continued improvement of Weston Park Hospital; including the expansion of research studies, improving the way cancer treatments are delivered and supporting the ongoing care provisions of patients and their families affected by cancer. The cancer charity's sustained investment into research each year, in collaboration with the wider cancer network, will enable local studies to be carried out within the hospital, as part of the integrated fight against cancer worldwide. Charity Director, Samantha Kennedy said, -John and Anne have raised an unbelievable amount for the charity over the years and we are incredibly grateful for their support. -The golf day has become a key date in the cancer charity's diary and received support from both individuals and businesses across the region and further afield. -John and Anne's fundraising has helped increase awareness of the charity's work and raised funds which will ultimately enable cancer patients to continue benefitting from the latest treatments here at Weston Park Hospital. Over 18,000 patients are currently under the care of Weston Park Hospital, which equates to over 150,000 individual patients visits each year. For more information or to get involved and support the cancer charity's vital work visit www.wphcancercharity.org.uk or call the charity office on 01142265370.