Four golfers to take on 72-hole challenge in Lee-on-the-Solent for Macmillan Cancer Support

Set to take around 16 hours, the Longest Day event on Friday will see friends Will Noland, Liam Riddy, Jason Smith and Jim Porter walking around 24 miles while hopefully raising thousands for the charity.

Each of the golfers has seen the amazing work Macmillan does in supporting people with cancer and their families, and are looking forward to setting off on the Lee-on-the-Solent golf club course at 5am.

Jim said: ‘I've personally been affected by the loss of a close family member. Macmillan provided invaluable care and compassion to all involved. What a truly great service this charity provides.’

Will lost his father and grandfather to cancer, and his wife Hayley’s parents have both had the disease, with her mother sadly dying from cancer last year.

Will, 43, said: ‘They have been a great help to ourselves and Hayley’s father dealing with the loss and his own circumstances.

‘It’s very dear to us and we want to help out with the funding they need to keep providing services.

‘Without them, there’s a lot of people like my father-in-law who would be left out there on their own. I think they do a lot of good things for a lot of people.’

The team, dubbed the Tee Birdies, has already raised more than £700 to support the charity’s services, but they would like to bring in as much as possible for the charity.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth actress with cerebral palsy, 13, proves her disability doesn't hold her back in Channel 4 sporting event

The long challenge will see the keen players take on four consecutive rounds of golf, which may be a struggle but they’re up to the task.

Jason, who runs The Wyvern in Lee-on-the-Solent, said: ‘Having been in the pub trade for more than 25 years I've had first hand feedback from customers who have been taken care of by Macmillan.

‘Everyone I've met over the years has nothing but praise for the work they do and the support they give.’

Liam added: ‘Sadly I have had many family members suffer with cancer, and Macmillan did a great job in helping them and those around them.’

Visit longestdaygolf.macmillan.org.uk/Team/teebirdies to donate.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.