Sandon Golf Society has marked its 20th Golf Day in aid of Little Havens by raising £20,000 for the second year in a row, matching last year’s record-breaking total.  

The event took place on 7 August at Braintree Golf Club, where golfers came together for a day of friendly competition. Their generosity means the society has now raised more than £212,000 for Essex’s only children’s hospice over the past two decades. 

The funds were raised at the sell-out event through entry fees, a lively auction, a raffle and on-the-spot ‘Fun Fines’. 

Members of the Sandon Golf Society recently visited Little Havens, the children’s hospice based in Benfleet, to see firsthand the difference their incredible fundraising has made over the years. They met the team and saw for themselves the care their fundraising supports, from the hospice’s welcoming rooms to its gardens. 

The £20,000 raised by the society is enough to fund nearly 650 hours of expert, compassionate care at Little Havens -providing care during a respite break, emergency stay or support at the end of a child’s life 

Last year’s Golf Day was held in memory of founding member Gary Carlile, who died in November 2023, and this year the Society were proud to carry his commitment forward again. 

Ella Huber-Brown, Head of Fundraising & Marketing at Havens Hospices, the charity which Little Havens is part of, said: “It was wonderful to welcome members of Sandon Golf Society to Little Havens and show them the difference their support makes. Reaching 20 Golf Days is an amazing milestone, and to raise £20,000 for the second-year running is a real testament to everyone who plays, organises and gives so generously. 

“Over two decades, the society has raised more than £212,000 for Little Havens. Their support goes towards the care we give babies, children and young people with incurable conditions and their families, helping them to make every day count. We’re so grateful to every golfer for standing by us for so long, and we can’t wait to see what the next 20 years bring.” 

Little Havens cares for babies, children and young people with incurable conditions across Essex, and supports their families too. The team helps every family make every day count, with comfort, choice and dignity throughout life’s journey. 

Little Havens needs to raise £83,000 every week to care for every family who needs it. If your club, school or community group would like to fundraise for Little Havens, the team would love to hear from you. Visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/fundraising to find out more.