Golf and darts challenge raises £3,000 for hospital equipment

A Melksham man’s family and friends have raised £3,000 for the hospital that cared for him by taking on a 16-hour golf and darts challenge.

The fundraiser saw a team of 10 complete 50 holes of golf and 500,000 darts points, with around 25 guest players joining the darts to help reach the target.

Melksham resident Gary Jenkins organised the fundraiser to give back to the Royal United Hospital, which cared for his dad, Ray, after he suffered multiple organ failure in June.

The money raised will pay for a bedside ECG machine and a digital syringe driver pump for the hospital’s intensive care unit.

The challenge began at 7am on Thursday 17th September and finished at 11.30pm, with the team completing both targets in 16 hours and 30 minutes.

The physical challenge involved around 60,000 steps, with Gary describing the day as involving ‘achy arms’ and ‘sore backs’.

The event took place at Whitley Golf Club and Melksham Town Football Club’s Sky Bar. Gary said both venues welcomed the idea and provided the time, space and backing to make it possible.

Local businesses also donated prizes for a charity raffle. Between 50 and 75 residents also supported the event in person throughout the day.

Gary said his dad was delighted to see the support for the fundraiser.

“Dad had a constant smile on his face – he was chatting all day to family and friends. The event was in honour of those who helped save his life and he was super grateful to everyone that turned up,” he said.

He thanked everyone who helped raise the total, including the businesses that donated raffle prizes and those who donated.

Plans are underway to make the fundraiser an annual event, with the aim of doubling the amount raised.

Pictured: The team with Ray Jenkins (centre)