Kind-hearted golfers have been thanked for their enthusiasm and generosity after a cheque for more than £60,000 was presented to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Mark Spears and Jules Routledge were last year’s Captain and Lady Captain at Gog Magog Golf Club, in Shelford Bottom, and raised funds throughout 2025.
The highlight was a special day with former Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie, who shared stories from his illustrious career during a showpiece event that raised more than £50,000 alone.
Mark and Jules’ fundraising efforts also included successful Captain’s Days, a Mixed Open competition and an Invitation Day, where members could bring guests. In addition, there was a Captain’s Dinner, which culminated with a fun round of midnight putting, using illuminated balls.
The pair arranged a social function every month, including a curry night, quiz, Motown night and ‘nine and wine’ evenings, where members enjoyed nine holes of golf, wine and pizza. They also organised a sale of second-half golf clothing, while members raised funds from selling homemade items at a Christmas fayre.
Mark thanked everyone at the club for getting in the spirit and showing their sense of fun.
“I’m incredibly proud,” he said.
“The members are immensely generous people, and they were positive and supportive throughout. If they see something worth backing, they’ll go out of their way to help. It’s an extraordinary amount of money, and we’re so thankful.”
Jules was equally grateful and said: “It’s been great fun, but it wasn’t just a case of us having ideas and organising events.
“For them to be successful, we needed members to come along and support us, and that’s exactly what happened. We were also blessed with beautiful weather, which made such a difference.
“EACH is a cause that resonates with people because it’s a charity supporting families here in our community.
“We also have a very personal connection as Brad McLean, the General Manager at Gog Magog, is EACH’s Chair of Trustees. He’s a bereaved father himself and speaks openly and powerfully about his experiences and the care and support his family received. As it’s personal to him, it became personal to us.”
To learn more and heighten their connection, Mark and Jules visited Milton and The Nook – EACH’s hospices in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.
“I learnt so much about the support provided and realise it’s not just about end-of-life care,” said Mark.
“Visiting the hospices gave us an extra spur and added motivation to raise as much as we possibly could.”
A special celebration took place at the club on Thursday when a cheque was presented to EACH Chief Executive Kevin Clements.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Mark, Jules and everyone at Gog Magog Golf Club,” said Kevin.
“They joined forces to raise a phenomenal amount of money, and it was a privilege to hear more about their fantastic efforts.
“These funds will make a real difference to the children and families receiving our care and support, and it’s inspiring to see a community come together in such a positive and generous way.”
