Pink golfers turn out in force for Churchill Hospital charity day at Oxford Golf Club

A keen golfer whose life was saved by a routine cancer check-up at Churchill Hospital has thanked staff by hosting her own charity golf day at Oxford Golf Club in Cowley.

Club accountant Heather Scott was diagnosed with breast cancer in September last year after being called in for a routine Mammogram at Churchill Hospital only a stone’s throw away from the historic course’s 18^th hole.

She required life-saving surgery in October and decided to raise funds for the hospital’s breast cancer unit in recognition of the department’s extraordinary work.

Eighty of Heather’s friends, family and fellow club members turned out to play in a shotgun start tournament who collectively raised £2,700. The day’s winners were Eddy Harte, Michael Quirke, James Dunn and Les Brown with 90 points. Heather thanked everyone for their support in the last nine months.

“I’m so grateful to everyone at the Churchill Hospital for their support and advice during what was a difficult period last year,” said Heather. “As our neighbours at Oxford Golf Club, it felt right to recognise their work by hosting our own charity golf day.”

“Their professionalism and management of people living with breast cancer saved my life, so this was the very least we could do. Fortunately, the weather was on our side and everyone had a fantastic day.”

“We’re thrilled with the final fundraising figure which will go directly towards supporting treatment programmes and individual patient needs so Churchill Hospital can continue to provide the best care possible.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who was so generous with their time and fundraising on the day plus all staff at the hospital who really are Oxford’s unsung heroes.”

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for approximately 15% of all new cancer cases. Advances in technology mean breast cancer survival rates have doubled in the last 50 years, with over three-quarters (75.9%) of women surviving their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis.

Early symptoms include a new lump in the breast or underarm, a thickening of swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin or redness or flaky skin on the breast.

Steve Greenwood, General Manager at Oxford Golf Club, said: “Heather is a key member of our team, and her diagnosis came as a great shock to everyone connected to the club.

“We all share her admiration for the work that takes place at Churchill Hospital, and it was our pleasure to host such a well-supported tournament in aid of a great local cause.”

David Child from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “We’re so grateful to Heather and Oxford Golf Club for supporting the Oxford Breast Cancer Unit at the Churchill.

“The charity funds vital work across this hospital, supporting their leading cancer research, providing care packages for patients, revamping counselling rooms, funding their onsite chemotherapy prep and store room, and equipment such as 3D printers for nuclear medicine.

“All this has a direct impact on reducing waiting-times and increasing the wellbeing of patients across Oxfordshire, which wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community and people like Heather.”

Founded in 1873 Oxford Golf Club was the original club of Oxford University and to this day features an 18-hole course designed by legendary golf architect Harry Colt.

Further information about the club is available  HERE.