CHARITY golf days raised £450,000 for hospices over the past 25 years.

The latest annual charity golf day at Boyce Hill Golf Club, Benfleet, was the 25th held at the club and raised £14,000.

Organised by former West Ham striker Martin Britt, with the help of the Horse and Groom pub in Rochford, the golf day donates to Havens Hospices and St Luke’s Hospices.

Mr Britt said: “My wife used to volunteer for Fair Havens when it first started and we thought of a quick way to raise money would be a golf day.

That first day raised £17,000 and we have done it ever since.”

This year 47 teams took on the golf course to raise vital funds for the hospice. Mr Britt said: “25 years ago, we would never have thought we would still be doing it, and long may it continue.

“We would like to thank everyone that supports us and again the players who helped make the day happen. The day was a great success.”

Havens Hospices’ community fundraiser, Hilary Metcalfe, added: “Over the past 25 years the charity golf days have raised a fantastic amount of money to help local adults and children living with life-limiting illnesses.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part and donated, making every day count for those we care for.

It was a lovely day and I hope the event continues for another 25 years.”