Fundraising Drive Tops £50,000 For Cancer Research UK

A charity golf day first launched in 2000 was only intended to be a one-off fund raiser for Cancer Research UK.

The event, organised by Steve Fulstow, a senior accountant with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, became an annual fixture in the local calendar and this year marked the 19th golf day. It took the amount that the event has raised over the years for the cancer charity to an amazing £51,711.

Steve has now been presented by the charity with an engraved award, in recognition of his fund raising achievement.

This year, 41 teams – several made up of council staff – representing a total of 164 participants, took part in the fund raiser, held as usual at Cottingham Parks Golf Club.

Steve says he would like to thank everyone who has helped him to make the events so successful over the years. He is already planning the next one, which is scheduled for 12 July next year.

He explains how the first golf day was started, and how it has raised so much money over the years.

“I started organising the golf days in 2000, after the death of a family member from cancer. It was only ever meant to be a one-off,” he says.

“That first year was mainly made up of work colleagues, friends and friends of friends.

“That first year we raised just over £800 and after a few people asked me to do it again, I organised another one the following year. From there it just became an annual event.”

The event became bigger and bigger over the years. It now includes sponsored holes, contributions from local businesses and prize donations.

This year’s event raised £4,500, and Steve says he never envisaged it becoming as big as it is now. Inevitably, it means a lot of hard work both in the months leading up to it, and on the day.

“On the day itself I have a lot of help, but in the months leading up to the event I probably spend five to 10 hours a week organising it – with the most difficult thing extracting money from people who have entered the event!” he says.

“I was probably on the verge of giving it up a few years ago after having a family and it taking up more and more of my time, but my sister was then diagnosed with breast cancer and it reignited my desire to keep doing something. As that £50,000 target got closer and closer I was determined to surpass it.

“I would just like to thank everyone who helps on the day, the businesses and individuals who make donations.”

Rachel Speight-McGregor, local fund raising manager for Cancer Research UK, described Steve’s fund raising efforts as ‘outstanding.’

She said: “To raise to date over £50,000 is outstanding, as our average donation is £10 and below. Steve and his family, friends and supporters are helping to beat cancer sooner.”