A charity golf day organised by a South Wales Police Federation member raised more than £8,200 for men’s health charities and encouraged participants to open up about their own health and wellbeing.
The event at Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club brought together 120 golfers for a day of sport, fundraising, and conversation about men’s health.
Organiser PC Rhys Evans said the day was about far more than fundraising.
(From left-right) Ian Booth – Prostate Cancer Survivor and Ambassador for Prostate Cymru, Peter Hurn – auction winner of the Tiger Woods Memorabilia and PC Rhys Evans
“We raised just over £8,286 this year, which is brilliant,” he said. “But for me, the most important thing was awareness.
“Getting 120 blokes on a golf course, talking, having a laugh, and realising that it’s okay to open up was fantastic.”
It is the second successive year that Rhys has organised the event, with £2,000 going to Prostate Cymru and the remainder of the money for Movember.
Inspired
Rhys has also had ‘touching messages’ from men who took part to say they were inspired by the day.
He said: “I’ve had a number of people inform me they have booked in for their PSA tests as they are in the ‘at risk category’.
“I’ve also had private messages from two of the guys who have booked themselves in for private counselling after hearing my story about my own mental health crisis this year.”
Rhys began fundraising for Movember several years ago following the death of his uncle from prostate cancer.
He said: “My uncle was a stubborn bloke and wouldn’t admit vulnerabilities, pain, or ask for help.
“He lived with symptoms of prostate cancer including pain throughout his back for over a year before telling anyone.
Prostate Cymru
“By the time we got him to the GP it was too late. The prostate cancer had spread through to his bones.
“This year I had further personal reasons for doing this event.
“In March, my daughter Mabel was born, however, the birth was far from straight forward.
“After a traumatic birth, she and my wife were in a critical condition, I found myself struggling mentally in ways I hadn’t before.
“My wife was on ICU and Mabel on special care baby unit and we didn’t know if my wife would survive.
“I reached out instantly and expressed concerns for my own mental health and with help of friends, family, and especially the South Wales Police counselling team, I have got myself back to a good place where I could organise a day like this.
“The tools, openness, and support that Movember has encouraged over the years helped pull me through a difficult period, and that’s why this campaign means so much to me.”
On the golf day, players took on a two-ball Texas Scramble in a shotgun start.
Money was raised through an entry fee, mulligans, a raffle, an auction, sponsored prizes, and donations.
Standout prizes included Tiger Woods memorabilia, a signed Wales 2005 Grand Slam jersey, which was donated by a serving sergeant, Wales rugby tickets, four-ball vouchers from local golf clubs, and signed sporting items.
Guests heard powerful speeches from Andy Thomas, founding chair of Prostate Cymru, and prostate cancer survivor Ian Booth, who shared their experiences and reinforced the importance of early detection.
Mental health
There was also a focus on mental health, including a visual awareness demonstration highlighting how easily warning signs can be missed.
Rhys said: “The day was a huge success with incredible feedback from everyone involved.
“Beyond the money, the biggest achievement was the awareness raised.
“Men spoke openly, sought advice, asked questions, and engaged with both charities. That is exactly what it is all about.”
Meanwhile, Rhys is already planning his next fundraiser for Movember and Prostate Cymru.
He is organising a pub quiz at the White Horse in Coychurch tomorrow (Friday 28 November). Entry is £15, with £10 for charity and £5 for a drinks voucher. The quiz starts at 7pm and quizzers are asked to arrive for 6.30pm.
Contact Rhys for more information and to book a team spot.
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