The longest golf day challenge is run every year by Macmillan Cancer research. The concept is straightforward, teams must play 72 holes of golf in one day to raise money for Macmillan. Teams will need all the daylight they can get so it is recommended that the challenge is attempted around the summer solstice. Jake Columbine from the Power Platform capability and I undertook the challenge on the 21st of June at the ‘Players Club’ in Bristol. Our first round started at 05:30 in the morning – 72 holes, 26 miles, 56,000 steps and too many lost balls to count, we managed to finish at 20:42.
Two days after completing the challenge, there are many words to reflect on how I feel, but I think exhausted, sore and battered is most appropriate, however one of the words I feel that stands out is exhilarated, not only undertaking the longest golf day challenge, but managing to complete it.
My family are no different to many others and have been affected by cancer. Sadly, my grandma passed away from cancer in October 2021 and this was the first time I really saw how much of an evil illness it is and the importance of the work that cancer charities carry out, not only leading the way with ground-breaking research, but also through providing invaluable care.
Thank you to everyone who donated, the £441 raised for Macmillan is brilliant. This amount could support their Cancer Information and Support team to run their Macmillan Support Line phone service for an hour. In this time, they could deal with 22 calls and web enquires from people who want questions answered, need practical information or financial support, or just want to chat.
Also, a big thank you to the ‘Players Club’ in Bristol who hosted us free of charge to play all rounds at the golf club, we couldn’t have done it without their support and an excellent course for anyone interested in golf.
Techmodal gives all its employees 1 charity day per year, it’s a great way to get outside and support some great causes. It doesn’t have to be raising money, it could be just lending a helping hand to organisations in need. I hope this article will inspire more people to carry out a charity day.
Here is a list of some great ideas for charity days:
Macmillian’s Mighty Hike – Link
A range of organised one-day half and full marathon hikes in the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of the United Kingdom, raising money for Macmillan cancer research.
FareShare Southwest: Link
Volunteering at one of FareShare’s South West warehouses, provides insight into the world of food surplus and food poverty in the South West. Working alongside other volunteers, activities might include:
- Assisting FareShare’s to deliver food to community members across Bristol and the region
- Helping collect food from donors
- Picking food for our members orders
- Sorting food and organising warehouse
- Cleaning and tidying
Bath Dogs and Cats Home: Link
Bath Dogs and Cats Home offers corporate volunteering days, a great way for companies to get involved with their work whilst bringing colleagues together from across the business for a team day out. Activities throughout the day include helping to update animal accommodation, build new animal play areas, or give the buildings a new splash of paint, leaves staff feeling motivated and inspired to return to work.
Bristol Animal Rescue Centre: Link
Bristol Animal Rescue Centre offers both corporate volunteering days and the opportunity to volunteer on your own. No two volunteering days are the same. A volunteer day could see your team helping us with tasks ranging from walking dogs to helping with event preparation, fundraising, or gardening, or supporting with general maintenance tasks. Volunteers will also receive tour of rehoming centre.
Mental Health World Cup: Link
The mental health world cup, held at QPR’s Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium is the UK’s leading charity 5-a-side football tournament for the fight to prevent male suicide. Raises awareness for the charity CALM and other mental health initiatives.
NSPCC Skydive – Link
Register for £70 and commit to raising £395 and NSPCC will arrange the rest. There are two different skydives to choose from:
- Tandem jump – the easiest and most popular skydive option, you’ll be securely strapped to the instructor as you jump from 10,000 ft reaching speeds of 120 mph
- Static line jump – After a full days training you’ll jump by yourself from a heigh of around 3,000 ft. Not for the faint-hearted!
NSPCC Tough Mudder – Link
Choose to take on the 5k course with 13 obstacles, the 10k course with 20 obstacles, or if you fancy a bigger challenge take on the 15k course with 30 obstacles. Tough Mudder is a place for you to push your physical and mental limits without the pressure of competition. A community built on teamwork and overcoming obstacles, where stepping outside your comfort zone is the reward.
AUTHOR
Liam Francis and Jake Columbine
Senior Analyst and Consultant