A CAUSE close to the heart will be the inspiration behind the efforts of two cousins ready to take part in a marathon charity golf event.

Melvyn Davies, 30, and Sean Williams, 25, will both complete a 72-hole sponsored circuit of the Little Lakes Golf Club in Bewdley in aid of the Cancer Research Campaign. Melvyn Davies and Sean Williams prepare for their marathon fund-raiser.

The pair lost their grandmother to cancer and Mr Davies also lost his grandfather to the disease.

However, during the sad times, both have come to appreciate the value of the work of cancer charities, and have organised the event to raise funds for the Cancer Research Campaign.

Both are regular players at Little Lakes, but enjoyment and reflection will be the name of the game when they take to the fairways on Saturday, June 23, said Mr Davies, of Coningsby Drive, Kidderminster.

"No doubt we will enjoy the day as we are expecting to be golfing for 14 hours from 6am to 8pm.

"However, we won't forget what we are there for and this is our way of paying tribute to those close to us we have lost while helping the fight for others."

Mr Williams, of Tomkinson Drive, Kidderminster, is also a workmate with his cousin at Armstrong Steel in the town.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the pair can call Mr Davies on 01562 749404.

l A furnaceman from Stourport struck while the iron was hot to raise about £1,000 for charity by taking part in 72 rounds of golf with family and friends.

Stephen Thompson formed his own magnificent seven to play more than 16 hours of golf in aid of the Cancer Research Campaign on Saturday, May 19.

The group teed off at Ombersley Golf Club at 4.30am and finished at Wyre Forest Golf Centre, Stourport, around 8.40pm.

In between, the players also took in Wharton Park Golf Club and Little Lakes Golf Club, both in Bewdley.

Mr Thompson, who works for Parsons Chain, Stourport, was joined by father Rod, brother Jason, brother-in-law Steve Drew, Ian Delo, Pete Harrison and Paul Upton.

He said he had held a similar event three years ago following the death of his father-in-law and had decided it was time to hold another fundraising drive.