A GROUP of friends from Wirral is preparing for a golf tournament in memory of 'a popular lad with the biggest heart' who died from cancer.
Gary Parr, Anthony Grant, Mitchell Barker and Jonathan James - also known as Muzza’s Army - are taking on The Longest Day Golf Challenge for MacMillan Cancer Support on Friday, June 30 at Eastham Lodge Golf Club.
The event will consist of four rounds of golf, 72 holes and more than 20 miles of walking.
A charity close to the hearts of many, the boys have decided to complete this challenge in memory of Dean Murray, who passed away in 2021.
Anthony Grant told the Globe: "In 2020 (a terrible year for everybody with Covid) one of our best friends was diagnosed with cancer and our world became shattered.
"Dean Murray was one of a kind. the life and soul of any gathering and always our leader. Dean was helped through this torrid time by Macmillan before sadly losing his battle in December 2021.
"It now feels right to give something back in Dean's name. Ordinarily, we would love to play four rounds of golf .... but not in one day (14 hours and 24 miles plus playing hopefully less than 400 shots!!).
"We are also looking to raise funds in the names of others who have been lost to cancer including Margaret Cadwallader, both were helped through their ordeal by Macmillan.
"Our aim is to raise as much as we can and show support for the amazing work done by Macmillan.
"We ask that everybody digs deep and supports us for this wonderful cause.
"Any support on the day would be appreciated also.
"All of us will have probably done 36 holes in a day before but certainly not 72!!! this will be a big ask for all of us."
Gary, Anthony and Dean all met whilst playing football for Victoria Colts aged nine.
From the day they met, they have been friends. Dean was Captain of the team and was described as "such a natural leader".
They all attended Rock Ferry High School where the friendships for life were forged.
Anthony continued: "Dean was a popular lad with the biggest heart. Dean would bring fun, love and laughter to any room he walked into.
"Dean tragically lost his battle with cancer in December 2021 and all funds raised will be honoured in his name.
"So far, MUZZA’s Army have raised over £2,000 but we don’t want to stop there.
"Eastham Lodge Golf Club has generously allowed the team to use the facilities for free and will be providing a pit stop lunch midway through.
"We are hoping to smash the target and raise over £3,00 and we are hoping to do so with the generosity of the community".
Here is a link to the fundraising page to donate to this amazing cause, click on this link
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