This summer, the UK's leading end-of-life charity, Marie Curie, is calling on golfers and golf enthusiasts in Devon to rally friends and family and organise a golf day to help ensure people living with a terminal illness get the care and support they need.

Supporters can also choose to do something a bit different, such as holding a sponsored golf-athon by playing a set number of holes or continuing for 24 hours.

Everyone who signs up will receive a free Marie Curie golf marker and access to a step-by-step golf guide, fundraising tips, invitations, posters, social media graphics, bunting and more – to help make their event a hole in one.

Marie Curie is dependent on fundraising and public donations. The money raised will help the charity continue to provide expert care and support for people living with any illness they are likely to die from, and their loved ones.

It will also help fund Marie Curie’s free Information and Support line, which is available to anyone affected by terminal illness. It offers practical and emotional support on everything from symptom management and day-to-day care to financial information and bereavement support.

In Devon, Marie Curie Nurses and healthcare professionals provide expert hospice care to people in their own homes, and the charity also offers a companions service that provides emotional and practical support – at home, in hospital or over the phone.

Mandy Fosbrooke, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Devon, said:

“Whether you’re a golfing pro, new to the sport or just keen to try something fun, it would be tee-rific if you could get on the green and kickstart some friendly competition with your family and friends.

“Every five minutes, someone dies without the care they need. By fundraising and hosting events like this, you can help change that and bring Marie Curie’s expert end-of-life care to more people. Every pound raised helps the charity to provide emotional and practical support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones at the most difficult times.”

Michael’s parents, Brian and Susan, were both cared for at home and in a Marie Curie hospice. Michael, who holds an annual golf day in their memory, said:

“Mum was diagnosed with COPD and Marie Curie would do home visits to monitor her wellbeing and offer respite when things got unbearable. The team were amazing.

“When Dad was sadly diagnosed with prostate cancer, Marie Curie again stepped in. Fay was his palliative care contact and was brilliant. Weekly visits reassured Dad there was always someone there for him. When times got bad, Fay pushed for a stay in the Marie Curie Hospice to ensure his medication was working.

“My dad loved golf, and there was always something in the back of my mind saying, 'You need to give something back to Marie Curie.' That’s when we ran our first golf day. To me, it’s the highlight of the golfing calendar.”

To register and receive your free Marie Curie golf marker and step-by-step guide, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/summer or contact Mandy Fosbrooke on 07702 508978 or [email protected].