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Morpeth businessmen tee up fundraising drive to make a hole lot of money for charity

ByEmily

May 15, 2017

TWO prominent Morpeth businessmen are teeing up a week of events to raise funds and awareness for a cancer charity.

Retired estate agent Philip Rickard and Rutherfords of Morpeth department store Managing Director Richard Rutherford, who are both members of Morpeth Golf Club, hope to raise a ‘hole’ lot of money for Macmillan, from May 29 to June 4.

Rutherfords is inviting customers to come along to its café on Thursday, June 1, and will donate money raised from their golf-themed menu, including tee and a sand wedge (sandwich), toad-in-the-hole and green salad, to Macmillan.

The department store will also stage a fashion show at Morpeth Golf Club on the evening of Friday, June 2, featuring models wearing the latest styles from the department store’s 2017 Spring/Summer ladieswear collection.

There will be drinks and canapes on arrival, while beauty consultants will be on hand for advice. The fashion show starts at 7pm and is open to the public, as well as members of the golf club.

A week of events to highlight the work of Macmillan was the idea of Mr Rickard, who is suffering from cancer, and wants to help the charity, which is supporting him through his illness.

Juniors, Ladies and Seniors sections at Morpeth Golf Club have rallied round to organise a number of events.

Macmillan says the number of people in Northumberland estimated to be living with and beyond cancer is over 12,000 and the figure is set to rise in the future.

Mr Rickard, a retired Senior Partner at Rickards Chartered Surveyors, said: “I want to spread awareness of Macmillan because they have been so helpful to me, and it’s great that the community is rallying round for such a worthy cause.

“I’ve known Richard Rutherford for a long time and he immediately said he wanted to help, and I’m absolutely thrilled that Rutherfords of Morpeth is supporting the charity.”

Rutherfords Managing Director Richard Rutherford said: “Philip came to see me about raising awareness of Macmillan and I immediately offered to help because this is a fantastic charity that does so much good work in helping people suffering from cancer and their families.

“Rutherfords department store and  Morpeth Golf Club are part of the fabric of Morpeth, and by joining forces we can help Philip to raise both awareness and funds for a wonderful charity that does so much good work in the community.”

Macmillan’s fundraising manager for Northumberland, Sarah Goldie, said: “We want to make sure no one has to face cancer alone but we can’t do it without amazing people like Philip Rickard and Richard Rutherford.  We rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us provide support that helps people take back control of their lives.

“The money raised will be used to help fund the charity’s vital services that provide practical, financial, emotional and medical support to people affected by cancer. These services include information and support, benefits advisers and cancer nurse specialists.  In 2016 Macmillan awarded over £48,000 in financial grants to help people in Northumberland affected by cancer.

“I am delighted the local community are coming together to organise this week of fundraising for Macmillan.  We need your help to make sure that people affected by cancer get the support they need to face the toughest fight of their life.”

By Emily