Golf day aiming to put charity in pink

GOLF captains John Bodgers and Maureen Nicholls with Jan Bolton (centre), Pennine Acute Trust’s fund-raising manager

GOLFERS in Oldham are being urged to swing into action to help to keep a hospital appeal on course.

Manchester Golf Club, in Rochdale Road, Middleton, is hosting a Golf Charity Day on Thursday, August 21, in aid of the newly-named Link for Pink Appeal.

It aims to raise £60,000 to build an extension to the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Victoria Breast Care Unit, which treats patients from Oldham and Rochdale.

Julie Smith, breast services manager at Pennine Acute Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “The Victoria unit opened last year and it provides a comprehensive range of services.

“The unit provides very modern outpatient facilities but we would like to extend these by building a conservatory.

“This would provide a spacious and comfortable waiting area for patients undergoing lengthy tests.”

A number of fund-raising events have already raised more than £10,000 for the appeal including a ladies’ luncheon and fashion show at the White Hart, Lydgate.

The captains of Manchester Golf Club, John Bodgers and Maureen Nicholls, have also pledged their support and have already raised £1,500.

Mrs Nicholls said: “Breast cancer does not only affect women, it affects men too, so that’s why we are holding a joint event.”

Mr Bodgers said: “We have held charity golf days in the past and they have always proved very popular events.

“The course is in fantastic condition and anyone who would like to test themselves on it is more than welcome.”

Places are still available and entry is £140 for a team of four, which includes an evening meal and entertainment.

The teams can be a combination of men and women, and players are encouraged to wear a hint of pink.

Non-golfers can attend the meal and entertainment at £20 a head.

And shops and businesses can also pledge support by sponsoring a hole or providing a raffle prize.

Call Rita Bottomley on 0161-626 6935 to book a place. For more information about Link for Pink Appeal should call Jan Bolton on 0161-908 4497.