A golf club is hosting a special event in memory of families who have been cared for by the East Lancashire Hospice.

Blackburn Golf Club is the venue for the O’Toole Open which takes place on Friday, June 17.

Mick O’Toole started the O’Toole Open with his brothers more than 20 years ago. When his brother and mother passed away six years ago, he decided it would be fitting to raise money for East Lancashire Hospice. 

Mick said: “My brother Joe called the hospice his second home.

"They made him feel welcome and cared for whilst he was there.”

Larry O’Toole now helps to organise the event with his brothers Mick, Brian and Norman every year, for Joe and his daughter Karen. 

He said: “Karen used the Hospice in August 2020 when she was diagnosed with cancer at just 45.

"The care both Joe and Karen received was just brilliant. We cannot thank the East Lancashire Hospice enough for what they have done for our family, so we do what we can to raise funds on their behalf. 

“Everyone playing has some links with the hospice and want to say thank you for the care offered to their own loved ones.”

Fifty-two people have already signed up for the day, and most of those playing have lost a loved one who has been cared for by the hospice.

The day starts at 7:30am at the first tee and ends later in the day in the Beehive Pub.

The teams head to the Beehive Pub, Cherry Tree, where the manager, Barry Brooks puts on a curry for the teams and also raffles prizes for the hospice after the tournament presentations are made. 

Larry added: “We are very lucky to have so much support. Blackburn Golf Club offer us the day at the club with discounts, and prizes - the course fees for the day being split with the Hospice.”

Mick said: “Barry was very close to Joe, and supports us in all our efforts and has done so throughout the years.” 

Cherry Tree Cricket Club, which was Karen’s local, keeps collection tubs for raising money for the hospice all year round. 

Gabrielle Williamson of East Lancashire Hospice added: “The brothers have been supporting East Lancashire Hospice for so long and we can only ever be grateful for their continued support.

"It costs around £4 million to run the hospice and it is through the generosity of fundraisers such Mick, Larry, Norman and Brian O’Toole that we can continue to provide our much needed services.”

The O’Toole brothers have successfully raised £9,533 with the combined efforts of the Cricket Club, the Beehive and the O’Toole Open.

To support the efforts of the brothers, you can donate online here for Joe O’Toole, Karen O’Toole or another loved one named as the reason for your gift.