Quinta do Lago Golf Club hosted their eighth annual Pink Charity Day on Sunday, 17 October, raising just over €18,000 in the process, thanks to so many people… local restaurants, companies and shops, as well as the generosity of its members and guests.

The entry fees for the competition were all put into the charity fund; an online auction was set up with some excellent, valuable prizes which, in itself, raised over €8,000; members donated items to a tombola which also generated money for the charity through the sale of tickets.

The Pink Charity Day is driven by CGQL member and Past Lady Captain, Tracey Williams who is always so committed to making it an enjoyable day for golfers and, at the same time, managing to raise funds for the charity. She was assisted by the committee for the event, Liz Prust, Val Harrison, Jane Beale, Lesley Henderson, Brenda Brown and Jacqui Barry.

It is very important for the Club to raise these funds because historically, oncological medical assistance and treatments were not easily accessible in this region so the charity plays a vital part in so many people’s lives and presently, around 16,000 women are tested every year thanks to the mobile unit owned by the association.

They were also a key contributor to the opening of the region’s first radiotherapy unit at Faro Hospital in 2006, which helped tackle the “inequality in the treatment of cancer patients in the south” compared to the rest of Portugal. Patients used to have to travel to Lisbon to receive radiotherapy treatment. Some had no other form of transportation and would have to return home on a bus after undergoing treatment.

AOA also helps cancer patients on a much more personal level, from providing psychological support to people who are learning to face their illness, to helping women obtain breast prostheses. The association also works tirelessly through awareness campaigns.

Results of the competition

Winners: Diana Mucklow, Jane Beale, Brian Parker & Bernard Dempsey 92 points

Runners-up: Vaughan Thomas, Odilia Parry, Roland Sand, Deborah Rowney (Vale do Lobo) 91 points

Third: Billy Morgan, Patrik & Carina Wentjarvi, Karon Morgan (Vale do Lobo) 88 points

Fourth: Athil & Trisha Raihani, Roger & Tess Brownhhill (Vale do Lobo) 86 points

Fifth: Warren & Jane Hilton, Oisin O'Buchalla, Sarah Hackett 86 points

Nearest the Pins

Men: Terry Williams Jnr, Jim McCormack, Jeff Bacon and Robin Voet

Ladies: Jane Beale, Roseanne Smith, Jane Reason, Diana Mucklow

It was an excellent day and so far we have raised just over €18,000 with still some donations expected to come in.

We thank everyone for making it such a successful day and for managing to raise so much money for the Oncology Association of the Algarve. In particular, we would like to thank Tribulum Restaurant, SGQL Professionals, Callum Burgess, Brittany Burton and Brian Evans, Casa do. Lago, Dano’s, Magnólia Hotel, Laranjal Golf. club, Quinta Style, Restaurant Henrique Leis, Jim Hair Artists, , Dolsa Alves @ Jim Hair Artist, Bli, Estética Salon, Mind, Body & Soul Salon, The Cheeky Pup, Monte Rei Golf Resort, The Wisely Golf Club UK, Philippe Stabile, Dundonald Links, The Conrad Hotel, Dubai Duty Free, Wines & Co, Tucanos restaurant, Izzys restaurant. In addition we would like to thank all members who provided substantial prizes for the auction and everyone who, collectively, made this day possible.