THE Longest Day golf challenge this December, a Cancer Council fundraiser, is bringing out the brave hearted.

Adding an extra challenge to an already challenging day of golf, Brad Fortescue along with his a few golfing mates, have decided to mix things up a little.

They will be playing the 72-hole The Longest Day challenge on four different golf courses.

Daybreak will see them hit off at the South West Rocks course on Friday, December 10, proceeding to Kempsey, Macksville and then Nambucca Heads Golf Club for the final 18 holes.

Last year, Brad’s Team teed off to hit 72 holes in one day, which is no mean feat, finishing at the one hundredth hole, somewhat exhausted.

They raised $7,231.

Brad stated, “Because my whole family carries the harmful BRCA gene variant arising from my mother Beryl’s side of the family with her mother Thelma and her sister Vonda both developing breast cancer, Vonda’s daughter passing away at age 30, I feel compelled to do what I can to help find a cure for this insidious disease.

“My mother at the young age of 44 developed ovarian cancer undergoing an operation followed up by Chemotherapy and at the time given only one year to live.

“Two years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Her determination has seen her live a full and productive life.

“Trent, my younger brother was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer at 32 in 2013, he too was given a short time to live but is surpassing the odds.

“In her 30s younger sister Stacey developed breast cancer and is in remission with Tanya deciding to have pre-emptive surgery to remove the risk.

“All four Fortescue siblings have the harmful BRCA gene variant.”

Brad is no stranger to the golf course, having played golf for over thirty years.

“I love the challenge of the game and knowing I can play anytime on any day without having to organise anyone else.”

When asked what kind of fitness routine is required to participate in an event like this Brad replied, “No fitness routine is required, I have a really good massage therapist that gives me a massage before the day, and then one after it if needed.”

The event is nationally held on Monday, December 13, however Brad and his crew will be doing their challenge on the Friday before.

“I need a weekend to get over the soreness,” Brad told News Of The Area.

If you would like to support Brad and his Team leading the charge against cancer, go to www.longestday.org.au/fundraisers/bradfortescue.

Brad has already raised $2,500 towards his goal.

Many Mid North Coast golf courses have come on board, waiving their green fees for those golfers entering The Longest Day challenge.

The Longest Day can be held at your local golf club with friends and fellow members anytime during December, although the official day is Monday, December 13.

It is not necessary to play the full 72 holes.

Participating in The Longest Day requires a minimum of two players who need to access four tee times across the day to complete the challenge.

Cancer Council NSW is a community-focused charity that relies on the community for over 94% of its funding for crucial work including researching new treatments, developing better prevention strategies and providing psychological, emotional and social support to people affected by cancer.

 

By Andrea FERRARI