Graham Ford, John Compton, Bradley Ford, Nigel Fry, Mike Williams and Chris Winter during the golf event at Oake Manor

Birthday fundraising in memory of husband starts with £20,000 golf effort

Paul JonesAugust 2, 20250 Comment0

A 60TH birthday fundraising drive swung into action with a golf event near Taunton.

Ros Wills has set herself a £60,000 target during her landmark year, as she aims to raise the total for Cancer Research UK in memory of her beloved husband, Andrew Gadd.

“This year will mark five years since Andrew’s untimely death from cancer and as I celebrate my 60th year in various forms with all my fantastic friends and family, along with the parties and fun, I want to give something back and so aim to raise, through various events and challenges, as much money as I can for Cancer Research UK over the next 12 months,” she said.

Fundraising got underway in earnest last weekend with a 24-hour golf marathon at Oake Manor Golf Club, near Taunton, with three teams of 18 golfers taking part at the weekend.

And Ros said it was a great success.

“What an amazing and uplifting experience. The camaraderie was incredible,” she said. “I’m still buzzing from the high.

“Some participants played 95 consecutive holes and walked approximately 57,000 steps. The night time golf was hilarious.

“Thank you so much to everyone taking part, including our non-playing support team, we couldn’t have done it without you.

“A huge thank you also to Oake Manor Golf Club for not only allowing us to stage the challenge but for going that extra mile to support us in every way.”

Among those taking part was Graham Ford, a partner at Greenslade Taylor Hunt, and long-term friend of Ros and Andrew.

“The day was a fantastic event, lots of challenges and fun particularly during the night trying to play golf in the dark with torches, head torches and glow balls,” he said.

So far, the golf marathon has raised more than £20,000. It is still possible to donate online at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/60000-for-my-60th-birthday-year.

Further fundraisers are planned throughout the year, including a barn dance and hog roast at Waterside Country Barn, Bradford-on-Tone, on Friday, September 19.

And the year-long effort will conclude with a grand finale ball on Saturday, February 7, at Rumwell Orchard. Information and details regarding ticket sales will be available soon.