A CHARITY golf day organised by Basingstoke businessman Hayden Gowan was a big hit for a cancer centre campaign.

The event held at Sherfield Oaks Golf Club, in Sherfield-on-Loddon, was in aid of the Ark Cancer Centre Charity and in memory of George McElhinney, who passed away from cancer earlier this year.

Among the 51 friends and business associates who played golf on the day was his son Mark ‘Macca’ McElhinney.

Hayden, who owns The Tea Bar in Basingstoke’s Top of The Town said: “What an incredible day it was. We had 51 golfers who were later joined by their partners and loved ones for a wonderful evening of fundraising.

“We auctioned a signed England Cricket bat for £300 and even auctioned my friend, Wesley Orsborn, for a day’s handy man work which raised £150.”

The day raised £2,322 and this was doubled to £4,644 thanks to match funding from the Greenham Common Trust.

The Ark Cancer Centre Charity is raising £5million towards an £18.5m cancer centre, to be built by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, near junction 7 of the M3 at North Waltham.

Hayden said: “The charity is on our doorstep to provide care and support to our community to those who are suffering from cancer and their families.

“We at The Tea Bar are delighted to be part of this and will continue to hold fundraising events throughout 2015.”