Record amount raised in Taupo 100 Hole Golf Marrowthon

MEDIA RELEASE
11 October 2011

Record amount raised in Taupo 100 Hole Golf Marrowthon

Forty four keen golfers from across New Zealand raised a record breaking $155,000 for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) by taking part in a Golf Marrowthon held at Wairakei International Golf Course on Friday October 7.

The Golf Marrowthon 100 Hole challenge is a unique charity golf event where golfers of all abilities test their skills and endurance in the ultimate challenge of playing 100 holes in a single day.

The 2011 event was the most successful Marrowthon to date. The $155,000 raised will go towards the LBF's Support Services programme which provides support to patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions.

For all players, completing 100 holes over 10 hours is an incredible physical feat. Stand out players from the 2011 event included Milton Jennings and Peter Mensah from Fidelity Life who took on an additional challenge walking the event instead of using golf carts. Between them they raised over $17,000 for the LBF. Fidelity Life also generously donated $30,000 to the LBF at the Taupo Golf Marrowthon prize giving. Corporate teams from PricewaterhouseCooper and Telecom also played in the Marrowthon.

Mark Howes and Aaron Masters bravely completed the event dressed as Scooby Doo and Shaggy in honour of Mark's son who has a brain tumour and his father who died of leukaemia.

Five golf professionals were also involved in the Golf Marrowthon this year These included Brett Allan from Peninsula Golf Club, Scott Pickett from North Shore Golf Club, Glen Millin from Prodrive and Sam Thomas from Pakuranga Golf Club who formed a team. Richard Lee who is a tour player on the Australasian and Asian tours also played in the event.

Pru Etcheverry, executive director of the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation says:

"We are absolutely thrilled to have raised $155,000 for our essential services. It was fantastic to welcome new friends this year as well as welcoming back the golfers who regularly support us. The Marrowthon is an incredible physical challenge and on top of that there is the amazing effort put into fundraising for our services.

"The LBF does not receive any government funding so this is a really important to ensure we continue to be there for patients and their families living with blood cancer in New Zealand."

The next Golf Marrowthon 100 Hole Challenge will be held on Tuesday 22 November at the Clearwater Resort in Christchurch. Limited places are still available - to sign up visit www.marrowthon.org.nz.

About the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation

The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) is a national organisation dedicated to helping patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions.

Every day six New Zealand children and adults are diagnosed with leukaemia or a related blood cancer or conditions. The LBF does not receive government funding and relies on public donations, sponsorships and grants, as well as funds raised through events and fundraisers such as the Golf Marrowthon 100 Hole Challenge.

The LBF is committed to improving the quality of life for patients and their families living with these blood cancers and conditions by providing patient support, research, information, awareness and advocacy.

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