A round of golf is what Romford man, Mark Smith, is taking on to support of the charity who helped him after he was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. Mark has organised the charity golf day on Friday April 23 at Mayland Golf and Country Club in Romford in aid of national charity, the Willow Foundation ñ set up by Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs and funds and organises special days for seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds throughout the UK.
This is the third annual golf day organised by 37-year-old Mark, whose fundraising for the charity has exceeded £8,000 for the charity, enabling many more 16 to 40 year olds to benefit from a special day from the charity, as Mark did.
Golfers will test their ability when they play a round on the Championship 18 hole course followed by an evening event held in the beautifully converted 18th century barn.
Mark Smith chose to support the Willow Foundation after the charity arranged a family trip to Center Parcs giving him a much needed break from the day to day stresses of living with cancer, and a rare chance to spend quality time with family.
ìMy trip from the Willow Foundation was a real treat, just what we needed after a really difficult year. We wouldnít have been able to organise it ourselves and weíre so grateful for the precious time and happy memories it gave us. Iím so pleased to be able to give something back to the charity and help other people living with life threatening conditions to have a special day too,î said Mark.
Bob Wilson said, ìMark has continued to support the charity way beyond his special day which demonstrates just how much impact his special day had on the whole family. Thanks to Markís unconditional commitment, many more special days will be possible.î
To date the Willow Foundation has provided more than 6,000 special days not just for people living with cancer but also cystic fibrosis, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy and Huntingtonís, amongst other conditions.
To book a place on the golf day contact Mark Smith, 07866 523975 or email markb.smith@talktalk.net or Barry Smith on 07528 764683 or barrysmith120@aol.com
For more information on the Willow Foundation visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk or telephone 01707 259777.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Reporters and photographers are invited to attend the event. Photographs can be made available afterwards. Photographs attached of Mark and his family presenting the cheque to Bob Wilson at the charityís headquarters after the 2008 golf day. And a photo of Mark's special day and Mark, wife Nicola and son Harry.