A GRANDFATHER who was cared for by an Andover hospice before his death was the inspiration behind an annual charity golf event which raised nearly £10,000. 

Bob Tulloch died of esophagus cancer in 2017 aged 75, and was cared for by the Countess of Brecknock Cancer Hospice in his final weeks. 

"The ladies there did an amazing job, making his last few days as pleasant as they possibly could," said close friend Gid Wells, who is a member of the Clatford Arms Golf Society. 

Bob was known to his friends and family as a keen golfer, so after his death, the Clatford Arms Golf Society decided to have an annual golf day, held at Leckford Golf Course, to raise money for the hospice.

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The first event was held a few months after Bob's death, raising £3,083, and since then the annual event has raised more than £18,000. 

This year's event was held on Friday, August 18. 

Gid said: "It was due to commence with a 'shotgun start' at 9am, but the heavens opened at about 6.30am, putting the event in jeopardy. At 9am there was pouring rain, flooded bunkers and waterlogged greens. The course manager agreed to delay the start for just one hour.

"The greenkeepers, however, with their local knowledge of the weather, assured the golfers that the rain would stop, and the rest of the morning would be fine. So tentatively, in the easing rain, 80 golfers took their starting tee positions, hoping for the best.

"Within half an hour the rain had stopped, and half an hour after that, the sun came out to everyone's delight."

After golf, the participants met at the Clatford Arms, a favourite spot of Mr Tulloch’s which was fondly known to him as the ‘Clatty’, for a buffet lunch donated by landlords Shane Wells and Georgie Littler; a prizegiving; a raffle; and an auction. 

The winners of the day were a team called the BB Kings - Ben Battey, Tim Battey, Scotty Devlin and Mike McPhee.

The event raised a huge £9,520 for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice Fund.