FOLLOWING the success of its corporate golf day last year, Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice turned it into an annual event and raised more than £11,000 at West Surrey Golf Club.

Glorious sunshine greeted the teams as they met for bacon rolls, before a 1pm shotgun start kicked off the afternoon’s golf. The format was an 18-hole fourball Stableford, followed by a three-course dinner and prizegiving, after which comedian and golfer Adger Brown, once again provided the entertainment with a hilarious after-dinner speech.

In a closely-fought contest, the team from Exclusive Networks clinched first place, after a countback on the last three holes pronounced them the winners. Team captain Neil Ledger commended the Milford club on the excellent condition of the course despite the previous day’s heavy rain, and praised the excellent catering.

He also thanked the hospice fundraising team for a well-managed and enjoyable day. Many of the teams said they looked forward to taking part again next year.

Georgi Robinson-Welch, the hospice’s corporate partnerships manager said: “We are thrilled our corporate golf day was once again a great success.

“It gave local businesses plenty of opportunities to meet and network with other businessmen and women, at the same time as enjoying a great round of golf – and all while supporting their hospice charity. We have to raise over £15,000 a day to be able to provide the supportive and end of life care which we offer patients and families affected by cancer or other serious progressive illnesses, and rely heavily on the generosity and support of local fundraisers and businesses to do this.”

On display throughout the day was a Ford Fiesta, to illustrate the fleet of four cars which Phyllis Tuckwell is planning to buy for its community and hospice care at home teams.

The charity is offering corporates the chance to sponsor one or all of these white cars, which would then be branded with the corporate’s logo.

For more information, call Georgi Robinson-Welch on (01252) 729462.