BIG SHOUT OUT FOR GOLFERS CALLED MARK FOR WORLD RECORD CHARITY ATTEMPT
ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, GOLF
Keen Kingston-based golfer Mark Taylor is launching an audacious world record attempt to recruit 88 golfers called MARK to raise £88.000 for the Prostate Cancer charity.
Event organiser Mark, aged 69, who himself has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, is staging the ‘Mark’ only on September 21 this year at Royal Blackheath Golf Club.
Having organised an annual ‘Marks’ lunch within the media industry for 35 years, three of the thirty six Marks, Tommy, Woody & Cole came up with the madcap idea of a ‘Mark’ Golf day which grew seamlessly into a world record attempt at England’s oldest Golf Club.
If successful the achievement will set a world record for ‘the most players with the same name playing in a golf competition.’
Seren Evans, Senior Head of Mass Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Mark Taylor for continuing his brilliant support this year.
“Hosting a golf day is already a fantastic way to back men affected by prostate cancer – but a world record attempt involving 88 Marks and aiming to raise £88,000 takes it to another level.
“It’s a wonderfully imaginative idea that brings people together and shines a light on the most common cancer in the UK.
“Thanks to supporters like Mark we can fund more lifesaving research and change the game for men. Thank you to everyone involved – you’re really making your mark!”
Olympic swimmer Mark Foster, six time World Champion and eight time World Record holder is trying to set another world record by taking part and supporting the cause.
Mark James, Former Ryder Cup Captain and Ambassador for On Your Marks commented: “This is a great idea for a very worthy cause. It’s remarkable how many people I know who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“My oldest friend has just had months of hormone treatment and radiotherapy for the last four weeks.
“He told me to get tested recently (negative fortunately) so after his experience of having had no symptoms, like Chris Hoy, I made the effort.
“I would be delighted to support “On Your Marks” in any way I can in that respect or any other.”
Mark, a former resident of Teddington, was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in November 2022 and currently under surveillance by the NHS.
An amateur golfer since the age of 15 (now 69) set out to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.
He raised £48k in 2023 by playing 72 holes in day with seven friends and then £23k in 2024, followed by playing 100 holes in a day with 28 others at Beaconsfield Golf Club raising £360,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer.
“This is the research project that we are funding with all monies raised ring fenced. Total cost of research is £350,000,” he says. https://prostatecanceruk.org/research/research-we-fund/tld-caf24-007
Mark commented: “One in eight men 1-8 Men in the UK are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer every year and 12 will die. I am one of the lucky ones by having had a PSA test every year for ten years.
“I’m living with it but friends are suffering and have died of it by not catching it early enough. I am lucky to have a large group of friends from the advertising / media industry who always support my challenges and fundraising efforts…. A BIG Thank You them.”
It is estimated that there are between 11.000 and 12.000 men called Mark in the UK and AI technology estimates that between 1500 and 2000 people called Mark play golf.
You can register your interest and join this fantastic fund-raising effort here: https://onyourmarksgolf.com/
Or you can donate items and bid at the amazing auction which will go live in September here: The Mark’s Auction for Prostate Cancer UK
For more information contact marktaylor@onyourmarks.com