Famous faces fundraise for Winchester Hospice

FAMOUS faces, including former Southampton goalkeeper Paul Jones, joined forces for a golf day and raised more than £50,000 for Winchester Hospice.

The event was the brainchild of Mandy and Keith Larner, who decided that they wanted to fundraise to help Royal Hampshire County Hospital when Mandy was undergoing treatment for breast cancer on Nick Jonas Ward at the hospital.

Staff on the ward introduced the couple to fundraisers from Winchester Hospice, who are raising the money needed to turn Burrell House, on the site of Winchester hospital, into a hospice for the city.

Mandy and Keith enlisted the support of their friend and former Saints ’keeper, Paul Jones, and his wife Annette, who agreed to host a golf day alongside them.

The couples hosted their star-studded event at the prestigious Remedy Oak Golf Club, where they welcomed over 100 guests including TV presenter Vernon Kay, and football legends Sir Trevor Brooking, Ray Clemence and Paul Walsh.

Mandy said: “Coming to the hospital for my weekly treatment, I got to know the staff on the Nick Jonas ward really well and when I finished my treatment in January, I wanted to do something to say thank you.

Guests travelled from all corners of the country to support Mandy and Keith and the day raised an incredible £54,000 for Winchester Hospice. In addition to the golf, auction lots included the chance to borrow a private super yacht, as well as the opportunity to play golf with European Tour player Robert Rock and former Open runner-up Mark McNulty.

Paul Jones said: “Annette and I have been friends with Mandy and Keith for a long time, so we were only too happy to help them organise an event to say thank you to the hospital.

“We are all delighted with how much the event raised. We’d like to say thank you to everyone that donated amazing auction prizes and who came along and gave so generously.”

An incredible £2.3 million has already been raised from fundraising efforts, and it is hoped that with the continued support and fundraising of the local community, the doors to Winchester Hospice could open next autumn.