A PROFESSIONAL golfer took to the fairway for a 10-round challenge that has raised more than £4,000 for Wirral charities.

Jason Dransfield tee-ed off at 3am at Heswall Golf Club on Wednesday, playing golf virtually for 19 hours continuously and finishing around 10pm, covering around 55 miles on foot during the day.

The 35-year-old, from Hoylake, was inspired to play after mum Hilary was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014.

She is in remission and doing well.

The tournament raised almost £5,000 for Maggies support centre at Clatterbridge Hospital, St John’s Hospice, Claire House and Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, as Jason's thank you to the organisatons' staff for their support during mum's treatment.

Reflecting on the challenge, Jason – who teaches the game at Heswall Golf Club and prepared by playing at high speed and in the dead of night - told the Globe: "I decided very early on to do 10 rounds of golf in one day.

"I started at around 3am in the pitch black and then pretty much played all the way through to about 10pm.

"A lot of people told me it was not possible to do what I planned to do, but I thought I'd give it a go.

"It sounded like a good idea when I decided to do it on a cold, dark day in February.

"However, looking back on the day, it probably wasn't the wisest thing to do, because it was such a hot day – the hottest June day for more than 40 years I believe – and I ended up being treated for heat exhaustion in hospital.

"I also covered about 50 miles on foot, which is a lot, particularly with the sun beating down on you.

"But in the end it was all worth it, as the day was in aid of four excellent causes.

"My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer on my birthday, October 15 2014.

"The early prognosis was not good at all, which came as a real shock. She is a fighter though and has come out the other side smiling – unlike many others who aren't so fortunate.

"I wanted to try and help the charities to help other families.

"I'm not sure I'd do that challenge again though, perhaps on a smaller scale next time."

To support Jason's ongoing fundraising efforts, visit virginmoneygiving.com/jasondransfieldgolf