A HARTFORD man whose mum died of cancer almost four years ago has raised more than �40,000 in her memory.

Luke Claxton, 27, held the fourth annual Veronica Claxton Memorial golf day at Lakeside Lodge Golf Complex in Pidley and raised �6,620.

He said: “Mum passed away in December 2008 aged 50 from cancer.

“Since we first started fundraising in July 2009 we have raised over �40,000. This year’s money has been split, with �3,000 going to Macmillan Cancer Support, �3,000 to CLIC Sargent children’s cancer charity, and the rest split amongst a few local charities.”

He explained that the event started with 40 people but has grown so much that this year more than 100 people took part.

“What first started as a small 40-man affair between a few friends and family of mine, just testing the water, has developed into a bit of a local phenomenon. The 108 players I had this year is testament to that. It’s probably no exaggeration to say I could have had double that playing. The interest has been unbelievable.”

After the golf, the fundraisers headed back to the Barley Mow in Hartford for a huge raffle, which feature more than 200 prizes - including a week’s holiday to Spain and signed sporting memorabilia worth hundreds of pounds.

Luke said: “We had a big barbecue and friends and family not involved in the golf got to come down and be involved.

“I would like to say thank you to my dad, Andy, who has always been there to help me since day one, and my partner, Faye, who puts up with me getting so stressed with all the organising.

“I would also like to thank my good friends Paul Curd and Cory Blose for all their priceless help with the raffle and, last but not least, Gwyneth Davies from the Barley Mow and all her fantastic staff and all the staff at Lakeside Lodge which help things go so smoothly.”

Luke’s fundraising will not end here. Next year, he will run the London Marathon he hopes to cycle from Land’s End to John o’Groats in the next two years.

He said: “We may have raised over �40,000 but this is just the start. With the help and support of so many people, I hope within five years to have passed the �100,000 mark.”