Shepphard family members have played a marathon four rounds of golf in one day to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

They wanted to thank the charity for the advice and support they have been given after Dad Anthony Shepphard was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in January.

Mr Shepphard from Bathurst Road, Staplehurst, had shown no signs of the disease until just before Christmas when he thought he might have a bladder infection. A blood test quickly showed that he had a very advanced stage of cancer which has since spread to his hips and pelvis and he was given just 18 months to live.

His son Gareth 23, organised the match at The Ridge Golf Club in Chartway Street, Maidstone, and Gareth was joined by his brother Christopher, 35, uncle Andrew Shepphard and family friend Mark Chippendale.

Mother Karen Shepphard said: "The Ridge was fantastically supportive, letting the boys play for free and allowing us to hold a raffle there too. We also had lots of donations for the raffle including a rose plant from the Bumblebee nursery called Macmillan Nurse!"

Money is still coming in, but already the appeal has raised more than £7,000, thanks in large part to a single donation of £2,000 from the Gallagher Group, Mr Shepphard's employers.

Mrs Shepphard said:"The real message we want to get out there is that all men over 40 should have the simple blood test that will tell them if they have prostrate cancer and could save their lives."

Mr Shepphard is still working for Gallaghers, driving a 20-ton digger.

Mrs Shepphard said: "He said he wants to work as long as possible, and not just sit around waiting for the end."

You can add to the total raised here.

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