Local golfers in the Upper Hunter will take to the green to tee off for Cancer Council’s The Longest Day on Monday 13 December.

The Longest Day is the ultimate golf challenge where golfers play 72-holes of golf – four rounds in one day – at their club to raise funds for Cancer Council.

Cancer Council’s Community Relations Coordinator, Gemma Pedri said their goal is to raise $1.5 million with the support of 130 golf clubs who will allow players to take on the challenge for free.

“We know how much The Hunter Region golf clubs like to give back and make a positive difference for the community affected by cancer, so we encourage any club who is not yet involved to register,” said Gemma.

“Muswellbrook, Paterson, Denman and Easts at Maitland Golf Clubs have all generously agreed to waive club fees for a day in support of Cancer Council and we have other local clubs helping promote the event too.”

“The Longest Day is always a great day and we are so happy to support this event once again and raise awareness and vital funds for such a great cause!” said PGA Professional Jason Taylor at Muswellbrook Golf Club.

All funds raised will go towards Cancer Council’s life-saving cancer research, support services, prevention programs and advocacy campaigns. The charity provides a number of local services and programs for people affected by cancer in NSW, including emotional support, transport and accommodation services, home help, and legal and financial assistance, and more.

In NSW alone, it is estimated that approximately 48,800 people will be diagnosed with cancer in a single year, with around 16,000 deaths expected.

Cancer Council’s Community Relations Coordinator, Gemma Pedri thanked Muswellbrook Golf Club and other Hunter clubs for getting involved in The Longest Day.

“We rely on the generosity of our communities to work towards our vision of a cancer free future. It is the support of clubs like those in the Hunter that allows us to continue our work,” said Gemma.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what Hunter clubs sign up for The Longest Day challenge. We also encourage all golfers to keep sun-safe and slip, slop, slap, seek and slide, not only on The Longest Day, but each and every day.”