Golfers got into the fundraising swing by raising thousands of pounds for Rennie Grove Hospice Care at a recent charity golf day.

The event, organised by long-standing supporter and Harpenden resident Mike Hodge, raised an incredible £13,000. Mike and his wife Sarah have now raised around £200,000 for Rennie Grove over the past 15 years from the renowned and popular annual golf days at Aldwickbury Park Golf Club and other events.

Mike Peters, managing director of the event’s headline sponsor Jarvis Homes, said: “We support Rennie Grove due to its incredible work in our local community, helping people in their real hour of need. Therefore, once again, we are delighted to have sponsored this fantastic event, raising much needed funds for Rennie Grove, whilst ensuring everyone on the day thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

Twenty-seven teams took to the fairway for this year’s event, which was followed by evening dinner. Magicians provided mesmerising entertainment during the meal and a lively auction followed - when one of the top lots on offer was a light aircraft trip from Elstree to the Isle of Wight, including lunch at Bembridge Harbour, donated by Ken Whitaker of Harpenden estate agents John Curtis.

“There are so many people who muck in to make the day, from businesses who sponsor individual holes to florists who donate time and flowers. Their help is invaluable,” said Mike Hodge, who, together with organising the day, made sure that the evening ended on a high note by bringing out his guitar to lead a singsong.

“Everyone went home happy and singing ‘Bring Me Sunshine’,” he added.

Kate Grigg, head of Hertfordshire fundraising at Rennie Grove said: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who made this golf day such an amazing success.

“Golf days are a great way of raising funds for Rennie Grove so if anyone would like to find out more about holding an event similar to this one then we can provide advice and support that will help make your day a success. And we would also like to ask local golf clubs to consider making Rennie Grove Hospice Care their charity of the year in 2018.”

You can find out more about other golf days that support Rennie Grove www.renniegrove.org/golf, by calling 01442 820715 or by emailing golf@renniegrove.org.