Chesfield Downs Golf and Country Club in Graveley will host a charity fundraiser in memory of Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton's late brother this weekend.
Les Ward, men's captain at the club, has organised an event with more than 90 players for Saturday, July 27, to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.
Les, who is 67 and from Baldock, selected the charity after losing two friends to the disease, including Abelardo 'Abe' Megias Hernandez, his best friend's brother-in-law.
He also lost Alex Pendleton, a former graphic designer and keen golfer from Stotfold who became a valued member of staff at Chesfield Downs.
Alex - the twin brother of two-time medal-winning Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton - died of a glioblastoma (GBM) in June 2023, following slurred speech and severe confusion.
He had radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by 17 months of various chemotherapy drugs, however, his cancer was too aggressive. He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah.
Les’ wife, Pat, worked at Design & Creative Services (DCS) where Alex was a graphic designer.
She said: “Alex was extremely personable, great with people and well liked around the office when we worked together and once again when he joined the golf club as a member of staff. We were shocked to learn research into the disease receives such little research funding from the government.”
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The charity golf day will include a round around the course, followed by a two-course lunch, raffle and open auction, plus a prize for the top three teams.
Chesfield Downs and its members have already raised more than £2,300 for the charity during their year-long partnership which runs until December.
Victoria – who has delayed her Paris 2024 Olympics broadcasting commitments to be at the golf day – and sister-in-law Sarah will be on hand delivering refreshments to thirsty golfers on the course.
Pat said: “It’s the men’s captain’s most important day of the year. We are taking our job in raising awareness and funds for the brain tumour community seriously. More needs to be done to help improve the outcomes for people who are diagnosed, and their family members.”
Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Alex’s story is tragic and a reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age.
"We must have robust research funding in place if we are to find kinder treatments. We can’t do this alone, it’s with the support of Les, Pat and all at Chesfield Downs Golf Club that will help us towards our vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours. Good luck to all players taking part on the day.”
Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.
"The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.
To donate to Brain Tumour Research via Chesfield Country Golf Club’s fundraiser, you can visit: www.justgiving.com/page/peter-harris-1705431195116
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