Four courses. Four countries. Just one day. That is the challenge facing four golfers next month as they try to complete a unique golfing marathon in the name of charity.

As far as the four are aware, no one has attempted the same challenge before – nine holes in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England – all to be completed between first and last light on Monday 20th June.

The four playing the marathon are Steve Warner of Fremington in Devon, Simon & Susan Baldwin of Exeter in Devon, and Ross Keenleyside of Acton in London.

Good golfing friends, Simon and Steve, have undertaken midsummer golfing challenges in the last two years. In 2003, they played 104 holes between sun up and sun down. Last year, they played one hole on 18 different courses in one day!

In January of this year, Simon married Susan in Perthshire. His Scottish bride is a golfer – and more than 20 of their wedding party played golf on the morning of their wedding. Steve partnered the groom. The best man, Ross Keenleyside, partnered the bride. The plan for this year’s challenge was hatched.

Simon says, “We all talked of trying to top the last two challenges – and this seemed like a novel idea.” Susan adds: “With family ties in Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, we’re making this a great British event.”

Steve is hoping that by taking the challenge outside Devon, the four will be able to widen the net as far as raising funds for charity are concerned. Steve says, “We’ll be approaching everyone we know – friends, family and business colleagues - asking them to pledge whether by the country, by the hole … or even by air miles!”

Ross says, “I am thrilled to be taking part in this year’s challenge – and can’t wait for the 20th June to roll around.” He concludes: “We all love golf. We’re all competitive – but the day will be more about completing the challenge and raising as much money as we can.”

The four will start in Scotland with a tee-off at 4.30am before taking off for Belfast. They’ll play their second nine holes in Northern Ireland before flying to Bristol. A short car journey will take them in to Wales – then back across the Severn Bridge to complete their challenge with the fourth nine holes in England.

Every penny raised will be donated to the Holistic Help Support Fund, which is part of Healthy Bristol (Registered Charity 1094049) - the charity working to provide free holistic support and therapy to people with cancer. The charity helps people throughout the UK who have been diagnosed with cancer and will provide the Cancer Lifeline Kit and Mentor services produced by Health Creation for those in financial difficulties.

The founder of Health Creation and author of the Cancer Lifeline Kit, Dr. Rosy Daniel, is the UK’s leading Integrated Cancer Consultant. For over twenty years, Rosy was doctor and then Medical Director at the Bristol Cancer Help Centre. Since 1999, she has fronted Health Creation, dedicating herself to making the Cancer Lifeline Kit and mentoring available to all in the comfort of their own home. This a groundbreaking pack that helps people find the best support to get through the shock of diagnosis, to make the right treatment decisions and to get the best outcome from treatments, which is fully supported by telephone mentors who provide crucial encouragement to fight cancer through thick and thin.

There are more than 1 million people currently living with cancer in the UK. Every family you meet seems to be touched by cancer. Anyone interested in giving support to this worthwhile cause, no matter how small, can pledge sponsorship by contacting:

Simon at simon@pcmdesign.co.uk or Steve at golfdaymadness3@aol.com.

You can also send any donations by post to: The Holistic Help Support Fund, Healthy Bristol, 77a Alma Road, Clifton, Bristol , BS8 2DP. www.healthcreation.co.uk

Contacts:
Simon Baldwin 0797 158 1966 / Susan Baldwin 07747 615 472
Steve Warner 07917 276 361 / Ross Keenleyside 07960 932 344