Golfers raise £8,100 for Bicester cancer support charity

Golfers have raised £8,100 for The Hummingbird Centre after the charity’s golf day returned for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Golfers have teed up thousands of pounds for a cancer support charity after a fundraising day at Kirtlington Golf Club.

Twenty-two teams, made up of 88 players, took part in the event near Bicester, raising £8,100 for The Hummingbird Centre.

The day featured an 18-hole Stableford competition, with teams of four also competing for prizes including longest drive and nearest-the-pin challenges.

After the golf, players gathered for lunch, a prize presentation, raffle and auction to increase the fundraising total.

 

Golf day returns after pandemic break

The event marked the return of The Hummingbird Centre’s charity golf day, which had not been held since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was organised by Paul Harris, a trustee of The Hummingbird Centre, who said the money would support the charity’s work with people affected by cancer and their families.

Paul said: “It was great to see so many golfers come together, not only to enjoy a day on the course but also to make a real difference to the charity.

“The atmosphere throughout the day was fantastic. We’d like to thank all the players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters who helped make the event such a success.”

How the money will help The Hummingbird Centre

The Hummingbird Centre is based in Launton, near Bicester, and provides support for people affected by cancer.

The charity offers a dedicated children’s service, counselling, complementary therapies and activities designed to support guests and their families.

It was founded by Mechelle Harris after a promise she made to her late father, Raymond Hurcombe, to create something positive from the family’s loss.

The centre opened its doors in 2014 and has since become part of the local cancer support network for people who can travel to its base near Bicester.

The charity says it relies on donations and volunteers to operate, with money raised going back into the centre’s services.

Kirtlington Golf Club backs fundraiser

Kirtlington Golf Club supported the event at its course in Cherwell district, around eight miles south-west of Bicester and 10 miles north of Oxford.

The club has two courses, the 18-hole Kirtlington course and the 9-hole Blenheim course, as well as clubhouse facilities for members, visitors and events.

Gary Quainton, Golf and Pro Shop Manager at Kirtlington Golf Club, said: “We were delighted to support such a fantastic event.

“The generosity shown by everyone involved was incredible, and to raise more than £8,000 for such a worthwhile cause is a tremendous achievement.”

Why local fundraising matters

Community fundraising events such as golf days, raffles and auctions are important to small charities because they bring together direct donations, volunteer support and local awareness.

For The Hummingbird Centre, the event also helped reconnect supporters after a long break from the charity’s golf day.

The centre is open Tuesday to Friday and supports people affected by cancer, with the charity’s message that people who can get to the centre will be supported.

More information about its services, volunteering and fundraising can be found at thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk.

FAQs

How much did the golf day raise?

The golf day raised £8,100 for The Hummingbird Centre.

Where was the event held?

The fundraiser was held at Kirtlington Golf Club, near Bicester.

How many people took part?

Twenty-two teams took part, with 88 golfers playing in the event.

What format was the competition?

Teams competed in an 18-hole Stableford competition, with additional challenges including longest drive and nearest the pin.

What does The Hummingbird Centre do?

The Hummingbird Centre supports people affected by cancer and their families through services including counselling, complementary therapies, children’s support and activities.

Where is The Hummingbird Centre based?

The centre is based in Launton, near Bicester.