Three brothers who organised a golf day in Barkway on Saturday to raise money for a children’s surgical ward said they were ‘overwhelmed’ to learn that the fundraising total has reached more than £15,000.

Tom Hanson from Therfield organised the day with his older brothers James and John, who live in Royston, after being inspired by his wife Laura’s many years of work as a nurse on D2 children’s ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

“I have wanted to do it for some years after seeing the hard work my wife has done on the ward alongside what the amazing doctors, nurses, consultants, administration, cleaners and porters do everyday – holding a golf day is the least we should do.” said Tom, 32.

“We have an astounding facility at Addenbrooke’s, but things can always be improved so that’s what we wanted to do.”

Tom and his brothers – who are all third generation builders at family firm Hanson Services Ltd and have four sons between them aged under 10 – teamed up to throw the fundraiser at Barkway Park Golf Club and said they had a great response.

One business in particular, Prestige Flooring Ltd, donated a whopping £2,500, which Tom described as ‘astonishing generosity’.

Golf club owner Geoff Canon and head green keeper Carl Edwards were enthusiastic about the club hosting the event, reducing fees considerably, accommodating to all the group’s needs and offered up a membership as a donation worth £600. Tom said everyone was very impressed by the condition of the course and the facilities.

There were 80 players in a Ryder Cup-style contest. Europe won their contest, a feat that unfortunately wasn’t matched in the actual Ryder Cup over the weekend.

“The weather was very kind, the drinks were free-flowing thanks to my sister-in-law and there was good fun all day,” said Tom.

The money was raised through entrance fees, on-course competitions like beat the pro and hole in one with a £10,000 prize, a prize holiday to Portugal for nearest the pin, a silent and live auctions, drink sales and general donations – which Tom said are still kindly coming in so the final figure keeps rising.

“The brilliant auctioneer said something very true – ‘everyone was a child once, have children or have grandchildren’ and we all know what scary places hospitals and treatment across all levels can be,” said Tom.

“If we can pull together to make that experience for them a little easier or better then I think that we should.” Tom told the Crow.

“We are overwhelmed at the support we’ve received to make our first event such a success, and we want to thank all the companies and people who donated and took part.”

When the final total is in, Tom, James, 36 and 42-year-old John will sit down with a group from Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, estates, and the head sister on D2 to discuss what they would like to do with the money raised.

Not stopping there the brothers are keen on organising more events including a ball and another golf day next year. and ask anyone interested in either, or those wishing to add to this year’s total to contact them at info@hansonservices.co.uk.

Donations can also be given to the trust, see their website act4addenbrookes.org.uk for more info, and Tom has asked that anyone who wishes to donate this way to state it’s for their project.