Businesses in Hampshire are on course to top last year’s total at a charity golf day in aid of two worthy causes.
McAndrew Martin chartered surveyors, engineers and architectural design services is holding its second annual tournament at Waterlooville Golf Club on Tuesday April 28.
It has joined forces with ADN Financial Solutions to tee up the fundraiser in aid of Help for Heroes and the Ickle Pickles charity for premature and seriously ill babies.
Organisers aim to bag more than the £3,400 they raised at the inaugural tournament in 2013.
Ian Lee, a director at Portsmouth-based McAndrew Martin, said: “The last tournament was a superb occasion and we raised a tremendous amount for Help for Heroes.
“We’re aiming to beat that total this year so we can help transform the lives of more of our wounded servicemen and women as well as provide vital support for such a fantastic cause as Ickle Pickles.
“We’re sure companies in and around the Portsmouth area will pitch in for a pleasurable day and dig deep to help raise another phenomenal amount.”
Some 45 businessmen and women are forming four-strong teams for the 18-hole challenge with entry fees of £49.50 each.
Companies are also sponsoring holes at £100 and donating prizes for a raffle to boost proceeds.
The extravaganza will also include competitions, a two-course dinner and prize-giving.
McAndrew Martin, which has 20 staff, will field James Bengree, Lee Sargeant, Bruce Scott and Lewis Don in their team. McAndrew Martin has also supported Help for Heroes with more than £800 of proceeds from its Twenty Five Years at the Top anniversary event at the Spinnaker Tower last September.
Ickle Pickles was founded in April 2009 to help premature and sick babies in neonatal units at hospitals nationwide.
It purchases specialised equipment, such as incubators and ventilators, and helps neonatal units improve their facilities.
The charity also supports families and friends of babies treated in units to raise funds, and raises awareness about neonatal care and the need for blood and platelet donation.
Ickle Pickles says that the NHS cares for over 20,000 premature or seriously ill babies every year.
In 1975, half of all babies born weighing less than 1.5kg (3.3 lbs) died. Today over 90% of premature babies weighing 800g or more – equivalent to a bag of sugar – survive.
A handful of sponsorship and team places are left at the golf day, and supporters are also urged to donate raffle prizes.
