A GOLF day held at Saffron Walden Golf Club has raised �14,500 for a hospice.

Over 120 golfers took part in the event in May, organised by the Rotary Club of Epping to raise money for Hastingwood-based St Clare Hospice.

John Burgess, from the Rotary club, said: “We were delighted to raise so much in these difficult economic times and to support a much valued local charity for an eighth consecutive year with our golf day.”

The money was raised with the help of main sponsor Whiskers Solicitors, and sponsorship from VW Harlow, Bidwells, Daniel Robinson & Sons, Cambridge Lakes Golf, Church’s Butchers, Pretlove Removals and Dorrington Bakeries as well as an auction of promises, raffle, barbecue, donations and a putting competition.

The proceeds were presented by Rotarian Roy Newland, in whose presidential year the event was held, to St Clare Hospice chairman Michael Chapman at the Rotary club’s lunch meeting at the Prezzo restaurant, Epping, on Tuesday September 18.

Elizabeth Palfreman, the hospice’s director of fundraising and marketing, said: “We are delighted the Rotary club felt able to support us in such a way. The total raised is incredible from one event which was much enjoyed by everyone who took part.

“The money will be put to good use enabling St Clare to continue to provide its services across the west Essex and east Herts border areas.”

St Clare Hospice provides specialist care for people living with life-limiting illnesses. The charity cares for patients and their families, providing physical, social, psychological and spiritual support.

St Clare Hospice’s annual running costs total �2.8m, 70 per cent of which comes from voluntary income.