TWO golfing enthusiasts have raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity in memory of a close friend.

Gary Thornton and Rob Marsden, from Ampleforth, completed 18 holes of golf at five different courses in and around Ryedale in just one day to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The pair, who had set themselves a fundraising target of £7,500, planned the event in memory of Sarah Hayman who died at the end of last year following a battle with cancer.

Their challenge started from Gilling Golf Course at 4am and continued into the evening until all five courses at Gilling, Easingwold, York, Sandburn and Kirkbymoorside had been completed - more than 100 holes of golf in one day. Gary and Rob also hosted a charity night at Kirkbymoorside Golf Club which had a Las Vegas theme, with £17,224 raised from both events.

Gary said: “We were both a little bit anxious before and on the morning of the challenge as we just wanted to succeed and do what we set out to do. It was tough going at times, especially with all the rain on the morning. We could not have done it without our ball spotters and scorer, Dean and Katy Sullivan, Sandra Thornton and Emma Pennington, who helped look for balls while it was still a little dark, and Sheila Riby for our refreshments

"It all went really well completing five courses in 808 shots by 5.45pm, so we decided to do a sixth round and do Kirkbymoorside again finishing with a combined score of 972.

"We could not believe how many people followed us on the sixth round and helped keep us going. It was a bit of a daunting shot into the 18th with the green surrounded by people.

"We are totally amazed by the amount of money we have raised, we didn't even think our target of £7,500 was reachable to start with. We have been astounded by everyone's support and generosity. Kirkbymoorside Golf Club has been fantastic, supporting the event and helping to organise.

"We both and everyone involved in organising the event are thrilled with the final figure raised and can not thank people enough. We are sure Sarah would have been super proud of everyone's efforts."

Hayley Cooke, Ryedale’s fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "We have been amazed and overwhelmed by the amount of money raised. Gary and Rob’s determination to finish the challenge was inspirational and bought the community together to celebrate Sarah’s life. We wish to extend a huge thank you to the local community for their generous donations, auction prizes and continued support. Thanks to the success of this challenge, Macmillan can reach and improve the lives of more people affected by cancer.”

Anyone who would still like to donate can do so at justgiving.com/sarahhayman5coursechallenge