A GROUP of keen Stourbridge golfers are clubbing together to raise money for Macmillan Nurses as they take part in The Longest Golf Day Challenge.

The eight friends, who have known each other since childhood, aim to complete four rounds – or 72 holes – of golf in one day.

They will be teeing off at 5am on Sunday (June 21) morning to ensure they have enough daylight left to complete the challenge.

Iain Mathers, 31, said the group decided to raise money for Macmillan as nearly all members have had a loved one affected by cancer.

“This is a very close cause to all of us,” he said. “Recently Baz lost his grandmother and the job the Macmillan nurses did was brilliant.

“We’re expecting to be sunburnt, blistered and aching all over come 9pm on Sunday evening, but as much as its going to test us it’s nothing compared to fighting or seeing a loved one battle cancer.”

Two years ago, the friends decided to form a group – dubbed Wollaston Golf Society (WGS) – to play golf, once a month, at different courses around the midlands.

The 24 member society contains ages ranging from early twenties to late fifties, as well as varying levels of fitness.

Members Chris Lampard, Duncan Chance, Stuart Doolittle, Barzu Zare, Gareth Jones, Dave Gripton and Danny Knight will join Iain in the endurance test.

Iain added: “We’re hoping to raise £1,500 and to make the challenge even more of a test, we will not be using buggies or power assisted trolleys.

“That is really going to test those of us who aren’t in shape – with myself being the main one at 20 stone.”

As an act of charity, Patshull Park Golf Club, which is where the challenge will take place, has waved the green fees to help raise even more money for the cause.

For more information, or to make an online donation, visit www.justgiving.com/WollastonGolfSociety/