Golf society raises £1,000 for cancer support groups

They were inspired to donate to Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity after member David Ballance, 69, of Kiveton Park, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022. The charity will invest the funds in the prostate cancer support groups, run by The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust’s Urology team.

Paul Joynes, of the Saxon Golf Society, said: “We visited one of the groups to see what it was like and we could see it is such a valuable place for people to forge new friendships and to get the help they need when it really matters the most. We learned that prostate cancer is one of the most prolific affecting men and how important it is to diagnose it early. 

“We have been fundraising for local cancer charities and good causes for 23 years. Members dug deep and it just goes to show how well thought of David is as a further £1,300 was raised for Prostate Cancer UK, taking the total to £2,300. We’re proud to have raised so much and to see the groups continue to run and hopefully go from strength to strength.”

The Prostate Cancer Support Groups are held at Whiston Parish Hall on the first and last Tuesdays of every month with each group tailored to men at different stages in their cancer treatments. 

The groups are now back up and running in person after being held virtually during the Covid pandemic. 

Suzanne Miles, the Trust’s Specialist Nurse Practitioner for Urology, said: “The sessions are so important because it’s an opportunity for the men to be completely open with each other and they feel confident to talk about anything. Sometimes this is easier away from family and friends. 

“We’re so grateful to the Saxon Golf Society for funding the cost of the room hire because it means men in Rotherham can find the peer support they need and we can enhance the care we provide to our patients, which is really rewarding.”

Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity has been raising money to enhance the experience of NHS patients for more than 25 years, funding extra special resources, equipment and projects which really make a difference. 

Rachael Dawes, Head of Fundraising, said: “We are so grateful to the Saxon Golf Society for their donation. It shows the power of community spirit and what we can achieve together to make a real difference to the people of Rotherham.”

For more information about the Prostate Cancer Support Groups, contact the Urology team at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust on 01709 426390.

The Saxon Golf Society’s fundraising for 2023 is already underway and they are appealing for any companies, organisations or sports affiliations in the region to help by donating raffle or auction items. For more information, please call Paul Joynes on 07990616545.