As a charity dedicated to skin cancer awareness through our Slip! Slap! Swing! sun protection campaign in golf, we have organised and participated in numerous golf events, both large and small. We fully understand the effort and dedication required to make such an occasion successful.

When the East Grinstead Meridian Rotarians contacted us about their idea to raise awareness of melanoma and other skin cancers among Sussex golfers at Sweetwoods Golf Club, we were happy to lend our support!

Organising a charity golf day is no easy feat, but it can be rewarding and benefit a great cause, which this one most certainly did!  The members of Meridian Rotary truly excelled themselves, despite facing torrential rain and brisk north winds, attracted 67 players and raised an impressive £3,500 at their golf day, with the proceeds shared between the Melanoma Fund and other charitable organisations.

Held on the last day of September, the weather forecast cast doubt on the event’s feasibility. However, the attendees proved resilience and trust, and after enjoying a hearty bacon roll, they set off early to experience Sweetwood’s stunning 18-hole course, nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside. A shotgun start allowed us to prepare a warm welcome for the returning golfers, complete with a delicious sit-down lunch, tea (and the occasional Guinness), a raffle, auction prizes, and a prize-giving ceremony for those who showed remarkable skill in challenging conditions.

Complimenting the golf and fundraising, the Melanoma Fund organised skin checks for all participants. Thanks to our newest medical advisor, Dr. Clive Dewing, those with moles or lesions of concern were offered 10-minute appointments. With GP appointments often hard to come by, this was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to gain peace of mind regarding their skin health. The demand was so great that every slot was booked, leading to a two-hour session that eventually extended to over four hours!

Whilst the golfers were playing, our CEO Michelle Baker took the opportunity to chat with the club’s greenkeepers about their skin check and sun protection habits, thanks to deputy course manager, Rod Walsh. Discussing how to improve habits and how the charity can support them led to creating more awareness at the club and getting the team involved in our new skin check campaign, which launches shortly!

Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of everyone involved (including golf clubs who provided amazing four-ball prizes, players, organisers, and supporters —the day was a resounding success! Many golfers joked that although the course was wet, it improved their long game. This experience reminded us that regardless of the weather in the UK, a positive, can-do attitude can help us overcome any challenges together. It was a fantastic lesson, a brilliant day out and an inspiration to anyone looking to run a golf day out of summer hours!  If you fancy this, contact us HERE.

About the Melanoma Fund
The Melanoma Fund is a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer to all in sports and outdoor recreation. Our campaigns, such as Slip! Slap! Swing!, Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code and Sunguarding Sport aim to promote safe sun practices among outdoor enthusiasts. By supporting events like this charity golf day, we strive to ensure everyone enjoys the sun safely while understanding the importance of early detection and regular skin checks.

To learn more about our work or to support our mission, visit our website at www.melanoma-fund.co.uk or follow us on social media.

About East Grinstead Meridian Rotary
East Grinstead Meridian Rotary is a dedicated group of individuals committed to making a positive impact in the local community and beyond. As part of Rotary International, they engage in charitable initiatives, fundraising efforts, and community service projects.  Their members come together to address pressing social issues, support local charities, schools and foster fellowship among those who share a passion for service. Through events like this charity golf day, they aim to raise awareness and funds for causes that matter to Sussex and to create a brighter future for those in need.

For more information about Meridian Rotary and how you can get involved, visit our website East Grinstead Meridian Rotary – welcome. (rotary-ribi.org)