JERSEY local Olly Spry is embarking on an entire day of golf in aid of Cancer Research UK Jersey.
The Dawn till Dusk Golf Challenge entails teeing off at sunrise and traversing La Moye Golf Club until the very final ray of sunlight.
For Spry, this is not just a challenge, it is personal. With his workplace choosing a charity of choice every year, this year Spry decided to support a charity close to home while doing something he loves.
Spry discussed why the charity is so close to home: “For me personally, my dad had prostate cancer, and quite a lot of friends and family have had it.”
“I’ve witnessed the pain, the courage, and the strength of people I care deeply about. I wanted to do something that pushes me, honours them, and raises money that truly matters.”
“I’ve seen how amazing this charity is and I thought, I’d like to do something a bit different.” Mixing his passion for golf and some innovative ideas, Spry’s charity idea is a brilliant one. Spry is attempting to tee off at 4.30am until the ball is no longer visible at dusk.
If that was not enough, the forecasted heatwave will make it even tougher. But luckily for Spry he has introduced some entertaining twists to his event: “I’m going to wear fancy dress, I’ve got a wedding dress, a Mexican outfit, a Lederhosen, all sorts of random stuff!”
Not only will Spry be wearing suboptimal golf attire, he will be switching up his equipment too. “Another curveball: for a few holes I’m going to use a hockey stick, a croquet mallet, even a snooker cue for some short range putts. I’m really not bothered about scoring, I just want to have fun and raise as much awareness as possible.”
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Jersey with over 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Every donation raised stays on the Island.
Cancer Research aided Spry’s efforts by loaning a gazebo which was set up outside the Santander Cafe in St Helier. Propped up in his wedding dress Spry rolled out a putting green and raised awareness for his golfing challenge. Doing so, he raised a decent portion of the funds.
Spry has already raised an incredible £5,234 prior to the event, and he will be hoping to make even more today.
There are many ways in which you can join the fundraising for the event. There are fun sweepstakes during the day, people are encouraged to guess how many holes are completed, how many pars made, or even balls lost.
As Spry is open to having fun on the course, he has encouraged donations along with challenges within reason, all to raise awareness and funds for Cancer Research UK Jersey.
Spry will be supported by family and friends throughout the event: “I’ve got a load of people coming up, which is lovely.
“The club have been super and I’ve got friends and members coming up to caddy for a hole or two and Robin Smith, the Chief of Police, is going to help me tee off the first at 4.30 tomorrow morning.”
On the eve of Summer Solstice, the sun will be beaming for a prolonged period making the challenge Spry has set himself even more challenging.
Despite the obvious physical challenges that Spry will face, he remains in good spirits: “I’m looking forward to it, and it’s a great cause, the main thing is that it’s close to my heart. With family and friends involved, and the incredible work that the charity does, and adding in all the crazy challenges it will be a laugh.”
Alongside fantastic charity events such as the Race for Life, Jersey is doing a stellar job of raising funds and awareness for such an important cause.
With heroes like Olly Spry, Cancer Research will continue to improve and many more lives will be saved.
