Mighty golf challenge for charity

BY JOCELYN REIN

Even for an avid golfer, playing 100 holes in a day is no easy task.

But the marrowthon effort proved no problem for Auckland city councillor Greg Moyle last week as he completed the challenge laid down by the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation.

The Golf Marrowthon, held last Thursday, saw 26 golfers play 100 holes each at the Aviation Country Club, raising $80,000 for the foundation.

With a handicap of 26, Mr Moyle says he’s no pro golfer.

"I play a lot of golf when I play," he says.

On the day he completed 102 holes and raised almost $2400.

For him, the charity has a special meaning.

He has been a foundation trustee for almost 15 years, since his late wife died of a form of bone marrow cancer.

The foundation, which started in 1977, aims to improve the lives of patients with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or blood conditions, and their families, by providing support, research, information and awareness.

Mr Moyle says raising two small toddlers while his wife was terminally ill was no easy task and says patient support of this kind would have been invaluable.

"It’s the sort of care I would have loved to be able to access," he says.

Another participant on the day was chronic myeloid leukaemia survivor Steve Searle who completed the challenge for the third time.

The Te Awamutu resident took up golf after recovering from a bone marrow transplant.

"I am one of those six Kiwis a day diagnosed with leukaemia," he says.

"We know many families are affected by cancer and sponsorship of a Marrowthon golfer is one way you can contribute to easing that burden."

Golfers of all ages and abilities played in the Marrowthon, including 2006 world long drive champion Phillis Meti and up-and-coming junior golfer, 16-year-old Brianna Maynard.

Many took on the day with enthusiasm, dressing up in creative costumes such as Bananas in Pyjamas and television character Ali G.

Foundation executive director Pru Etcheverry says she appreciates the golfers’ generosity.

"We are absolutely honoured and delighted that so many dedicated golfers continue to support us."

- © Fairfax NZ News