On Friday 8 July 2022, over two hundred participants came together at Dudsbury Golf Club to mark the ten-year anniversary of the death of Ben Harvey, who passed away at the age of 28. The day raised £16,859 for the cancer unit at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. 

This was the fifth charity event held by Ben’s loving wife Claudia, son, Finn, mum, Sue, and dad, Pat. The total raised across all five events for the cancer unit, ward 11 and the haematology and oncology unit is an incredible £96,215.51. 

As is tradition, Claudia teed off to officially start the day, followed later by 10-year-old Finn who was able to take part for the first time and captained his own team – Harvey’s Army Juniors. 

Lindsey Sturman, Fundraising Manager for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, who attended the event said ‘It was a joyous but emotional day, and the charity are honoured to receive such amazing support from the wonderful Harvey family. It was clear how special Ben was and how important this memorial golf day is to so many. It was truly humbling, and a privilege to be a part of this celebration of Ben’s life. The golf tournament is an enormous event to organise and the whole day flowed seamlessly, which is a credit to Sue, Pat and Claudia who put so much work into making it happen.” 

Sue Harvey said “We are so fortunate to have the support of so many of Ben’s golfing friends and others who play on the day. Special thanks to Steve and Sarah Tripcony of Parkstone golf shop and his suppliers who provide all the team prizes and Luke Joy who hit many golf balls on the 15^th tee for beat the pro.” 

This event ensures that Ben’s memory lives on whilst helping us to support the unit which cared for him. The money raised by Ben’s family has helped to fund big projects such as the refurbishment of the inpatient ward and provided furniture and equipment including specialist chairs. We have also been able to use the money for smaller but just as important resources such as free Wi-Fi access for patients on the haematology and oncology day unit, and the complementary therapy and yoga service which is offered to cancer patients.