This year's Clubbing Together Gloucestershire Pairs Golf Day, held at Cirencester Golf Club, has raised an impressive £9,102 for Parkinson's UK, which is the highest amount the club has raised to date.

The event, now in its 10th year, was organised by Mike Mancktelow, a member of the Minchinhampton Golf Club community, and its organising committee chaired by Murdoch Frazer.

The Gloucestershire Pairs Golf Day included a pairs better ball competition, where teams of two competed with their combined best scores counting toward the overall total.

Categories include mens, ladies, mixed, and a special category for pairs including a Parkinson's player.

In addition to the golf, the event included a silent auction, made possible by generous local donations from the community.

Parkinson's UK's Cirencester & Stroud branch, including Kevin Young, who is the branch chair, also played a key role by hosting the 'Halfway House' on the golf course. They sold cakes and refreshments to the golfers, and £500 of the total raised goes to their branch.

Ten years ago, Mike Mancktelow who lives with Parkinson's, was inspired to support Parkinson's UK when his fellow golfer and friend, David Paul, was also diagnosed with the condition.

Initially run as a charity competition on behalf of David, the event has grown significantly in both size and impact.

Mike's own journey with Parkinson's began after a delay in diagnosis. He was eventually diagnosed in February 2022 and, despite experiencing mild balance issues and fatigue, he continues to lead an active life, playing golf regularly and serving on the seniors committee at his golf club.

Mike Mancktelow, aged 80, from Minchinhampton said: "I initially helped run the golf day using a software system I developed, and it has evolved from there. David's enthusiasm and our shared goal of supporting Parkinson's UK led us to create this annual event.

"We've had growth in the number of people taking part over the years, including 104 players this year, which is a great turnout for us.

"While Parkinson's affects my daily life, I'm grateful for the progress being made in research. Events like these are essential for funding that research and moving us closer to a cure.

"Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who participated and supported the event. The involvement of friends and family members was invaluable. They assisted with the registration desk, sold raffle tickets, and engaged participants with the auction. Their contributions played a crucial role in our success."

Ruth Wright, community fundraiser for the South West at Parkinson's UK, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Mike, Cirencester Golf Club, and everyone who played a part in this year's event. Your support and hard work made it a huge success.

"The funds raised will go a long way in supporting vital research and programmes that make a real difference in the lives of people living with Parkinson's."