Horsham man raises over £6000 holding charity golf day attended by Glenn Hoddle

Over 90 golfers, including Glenn Hoddle and ex-Chelsea player Nigel Spackman, attended a charity golf day held by a local man determined to raise awareness and funds for two charities close to his heart.

Mark Cobb was inspired to organise the event in memory of his father, Trevor, who died of pancreatic cancer two years ago. He died only five months after diagnosis of the cancer.

Despite heavy rain on the morning of Friday 9th August, the sun came out in time for golfing enthusiasts to have an enjoyable day at Mannings Heath golf course. The successful event raised over £6200 for Pancreatic Cancer Action and St Barnabas House.

VIP guest Glenn Hoddle enjoyed himself so much that he decided to throw in an additional prize for the auction held on the day. This was a round of golf with him and Nigel Spackman at another golf course, which ended up being the most popular auction prize fetching £450. A VIP screening at 20th Century Fox's HQ cinema at Soho Square had a winning bid of £400 and Theo Walcott signed boots went for £200.

“I am delighted with how much money was raised. Unless affected directly by it, not much is known about pancreatic cancer,” said Mark. “It is often diagnosed too late for surgery which is potentially the only cure. Sadly, this is why the average survival rate is only four to six months.

"Pancreatic Cancer Action seeks to increase the numbers diagnosed in time for surgery by raising awareness and funding research into early diagnosis.

“Thanks to everyone who supported this event," continues Mark. "The feedback that I've had from people that attended has been excellent. Many of them have asked when the next fundraiser will be.”

Ali Stunt, Chief Executive at Pancreatic Cancer Action and a pancreatic cancer survivor, said: “We are extremely grateful to Mark for all the time and energy he put into organising his charity golf day.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Mark to help us increase the numbers who survive this grim disease.”

Pancreatic Cancer Action is a charity based in the UK whose mission is to change pancreatic cancer survival number and focus on improving early detection statistics. The charity’s approach is to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer among the public, medical community and Government, provide education and training on pancreatic cancer to medical professionals and fund research specifically into improving early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.