Some will know that one of my nephews, Paul Keegan, tragically died 2 years ago during a camping weekend in the Lake District. The nominated charity for donations from the time of the funeral has been the Forget Me Not Trust.

The Forget Me Not Trust has been set up with the specific purpose of providing what is a sadly lacking facility in West Yorkshire, to provide respite care to children who are critically or terminally ill and support to their families.

Myself and one of Paul’s cousins, Edward McLoughland decided to undertake a charitable event in commemoration of Paul’s life, with any monies raised from the event going to the Forget Me Not Trust.

Well the big day has come and gone and I am pleased to report that my nephew and I each completed 100 holes of golf in a single day, on the 4th July 2008, at Longley Park Golf Club Huddersfield.

The day started for me at 3.30 am, at which point I did question my own sanity. As planned we had both teed off at the 1^{st by 4.20 am in semi gloom, as the sun was struggling to rise over the horizon. The first 18 holes were quite surreal as we had the course to ourselves, a faint mist hung in the air and quietness all around. The weather was fantastic during the day, with only a light breeze and sunshine, although we did get through a fair amount of fluid as the middle of the day was very warm. We kept up a steady pace and knocked off hole after hole, stopping only for half an hour at 9.30 am for breakfast and 20 minutes at 3.45 pm for lunch. We felt up against the clock all day, and this was very much the case towards the back end of the day. At 4.05 pm we still had 36 holes to complete, which at 3 hours a round meant completing the holes within day light hours was achievable but only if we maintained a brisk pace from thereon in, which bearing in mind we had already been on the course for 12 hours was going to be tough. But we did manage to do it, sinking the last putt at 10.10 pm, however by this point it did appear that we were auditioning for the "Ministry of Funny Walks", and both of us were both physically and mentally exhausted.}

The 101st hole at the bar was much needed, which assisted soothing the pain of the aching muscles, creaking joints and blistered feet.

For the record, 17 hours of actual playing time, the 100 holes took me 534 shots, I managed to score 1 birdie, 10 pars and 4 scores of 10, 3 of which were on the same hole, and I managed to lose numerous golf balls. The competition on the day with my nephew was match play, which remarkably was not decided until the 99th green, when he made par to win 2 and 1.

Most importantly I managed to far exceed my fund raising target, which is down to the fantastic generosity of those I approached to sponsor me. Accordingly on behalf of The Forget Me Not Trust and myself, very many thanks for your support, it was really appreciated, and it undoubtedly played a significant part in keeping me going during the day.

It is still possible to donate on line on this site, and you can be assured that the money donated will go to a very worthwhile cause, assisting children and their parents when they are at their most vulnerable, distressed and desperate, accordingly any monies received will be very gratefully accepted and appreciated.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me. The West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust Ltd gets your money faster, and, if you’re a UK taxpayer Justgiving makes sure that 25% in Gift Aid plus 3% supplement is added to your donation.

Very many thanks

Will