A THORNBURY golfer and eight friends are preparing to tackle four rounds, on three courses, across 20 miles tomorrow for a special cause.

The marathon effort, known as the Macmillan Longest Golf Day, which will start at 5am with the team aiming to conquer 72 holes without the use of a buggy, was inspired by the compassion and support offered by Macmillan nurses to the family of organiser by Andy Neil, which has had multiple members suffer from cancer.

Andy said: “I wanted to give something back to the amazing nurses that have supported my mum and sister for many years and who always go above and beyond in providing services which provide practical and emotional support in times when it can seem difficult to find hope.

“The Macmillan Longest Golf Day is one way in which communities can band together to do this and while it is mentally and physically challenging, it gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to raise money for a charity that can literally carry families through their darkest times”.

Andy Neil is hoping to raise at least £1,500, which could help fund a Macmillan support worker for three weeks or could help Macmillan frontline staff answer up to 78 calls or web enquiries on the Macmillan Support Line, of which each and every one could be crucial to the well-being of the enquirer.

Craig Bright, landlord of the Blackhorse Pub in Thornbury, and a member of the Longest Golf Day team said: “We aim to get behind the community and raise money for great causes as part of our commitment to Thornbury.

“However, when we were approached by one of our personal customers we felt we had to do all we could to help him achieve his goal.

“We have managed to find a good group of mixed ability golfers so some of us will have 300 shots, others will take over 400 shots - and lose 100 balls - but the fact we’re all doing it together will be satisfying!

“Maybe some of us will even manage to stay going to have a long deserved pint afterwards.”

Anyone willing to help towards the cause can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/andyneil8470 or can buy a charity cocktail at the Blackhorse from August 3 - 50p of all purchases will be donated to the charity.