Josh to hold golf event in memory of his father Steve

Josh, who lost his father, Steve, a keen golfer, to oesophagus cancer, in 2007, is hoping to raise funds for Friends Of Cancer Centre, a charity based at Belfast City Hospital.

Josh explained: “I hope teams from far and wide will join us on the day for a spot of competition and to help raise funds for this worthy charity.

“The entry fee is £50 per person, and this will include a two-course meal plus tea and coffee. I hope interested golfers will see it as a good value day out that will help raise money to support cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.”

Josh has always played golf at Edenmore since his father introduced him to the game, so when deciding to organise a charity golf event, there was only one obvious course choice.

Although Josh is the events main organiser, he has not been without support from his family. His mother Kate, and sister, Sarah, have been helping him prepare and organise the day while he studies sport at the Lisburn campus of the South Eastern Regional College.

Brother James has also been on hand to lend support and will be gathering a team to represent the family in the event, as Josh will be managing the on-the-day running of the event.

Josh continued: “Friends of the Cancer Centre makes a meaningful difference to the lives of thousands of cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland by providing the latest medical equipment to help with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and by funding specialist medical posts and research.

“It also works to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families through diverse projects which range from complementary therapies and relaxation classes to refurbishing the on-site ‘patient hotel’ for those who regularly have to travel long distances for their treatment.”

The charity’s events and fundraising manager, Claire McAuley said: “I would like to thank Josh and his family for all of their support in helping to raise funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre through this fun sporting event.

“No matter what your handicap is, I’d encourage you to come along for a great day’s craic, all in the name of charity.”

Edenmore Golf and Country Club Manager, Deaglan O’Hagan said: “We are delighted to be working with Josh and his team to help raise funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

“We have put together an excellent package, which will guarantee a memorable day for everyone who takes part. I would urge everyone to take action, pick up the phone and call Josh to reserve a tee time.”

Josh concluded: “I am particularly grateful to Hughes Insurance who have generously come on board as the event’s principal sponsor. I am also indebted to Edenmore Golf and Country Club’s invaluable support in providing the full use of its course and facilities for the day.

“It would be brilliant if the day was such a success that it turned into an annual event but let’s take it one year at a time.”

Josh is already well on his way to having a full starting sheet of 128 golfers lined up for this four-ball Stableford competition, which is open to individuals or teams of four players. To book a tee spot and to obtain further information, please contact Josh on 0791 716 3400 or [email protected].