Extreme golf event at top New Zealand course

15 August, 2012

Extreme golf event at top New Zealand course

Keen Kiwi golfers have the ultimate opportunity to test their skills playing in one of New Zealand’s most extreme golfing events the Golf Marrowthon 100 Hole Challenge. Players of all handicaps will take on the ultimate challenge of playing 100 holes of golf in one day to raise money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC).

The Taupo Golf Marrowthon will be held at Wairakei International Golf Course, one New Zealand’s top courses, on Friday 12 October. Last year’s event saw 44 participants raise over $168,000 for LBC.

Each player will aim to raise $2,500, that’s $250 per hole, to fund the LBC’s Support Services programme which provides support to patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions across New Zealand.

The Golf Marrowthon event is now in its eighth year. The event has seen the likes of legendary golfer Sir Bob Charles; former All Blacks; Robbie Deans, Steve Surridge and Scott Robertson; and Black Caps; former captain, Stephen Fleming; Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan as well as television presenters Hilary Barry and Peter Williams participate.

A number of patients and their family members have played in the event over the years. Many participants choose to don wacky costumes and decorate golf carts adding to the fun on the day.

Golfers may take part in the event as individuals and or as corporate teams of four.

Pru Etcheverry, Chief Executive Officer of Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand says:

“We so appreciate the fantastic efforts of all of the keen golfers that take part in the Golf Marrowthons each year, it’s an incredible physical challenge and on top of that there is the amazing effort put into fundraising for our services.

“LBC 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.”

If people wish to register they can go to: www.marrowthon.org.nz or call the LBC team on 0800 10 15 10 (option 1)

About Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand

The facts:

· LBC has 5 full-time Support Services Staff

· Every 4 hours a New Zealander is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or a related blood condition.

Every day LBC has 41 interactions with patients and health professionals.

Every week we distribute 23 emergency assistance vouchers.

Every month we distribute over 1000 disease-specific haematology booklets.

Every year we hold 70 educational support group meetings.

There are an estimated 10,000 people living with blood cancer or a related condition in New Zealand.

About LBC

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and conditions.

LBC does not receive government funding and is supported entirely by voluntary donations from supporters, sponsors and fundraising.

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

About blood cancers

The cause of blood cancers is unknown.

These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning.

Immediate treatment may be necessary and that treatment can go on for months or even years.

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