Strokes_08-25

Jeff Green | Jun 26, 2008

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Krista (Andrew's sister), Andrew Fazacherley, Edward Goodfellow and Cathy (Edward's mother)

A sizeable crowd gathered on the greens at Rivendell Golf Club early Friday morning to cheer on Andrew Fazackerley and Edward Goodfellow as they swung their final strokes at the 18th hole and brought their “StrokesforHopes” cancer drive to a victorious finish. Their efforts raised $15,000, which the government has agreed to match nine times over, bringing the final total to $135,000.

Friends, family, club members and other supporters rushed the two gentlemen as they left the greens having completed their 24-hour uninterrupted, cart-free golfing marathon to raise funds for the building project at the Eastern Ontario Cancer Centre in Kingston.

Brian Grigg, a grade 8 teacher from Prince Charles Public School in Verona, bused in a group of grade 6, 7 and 8 students “for the cause and to show their support” The group presented Andrew and Edward with a painted sign of recognition, thanks and appreciation for their efforts made to fight cancer.

The two golfers greatly appreciated all of the support they received. Andrew admitted, “We are not shocked that there is so much community support, but it still is overwhelming.” Edward agreed and stressed the importance of, “The kids seeing what we are doing and then becoming aware themselves of what needs to be done.”

The two gentlemen had the backing of family, friends and the Rivendell Club and its members from the start. Ed says “It was always a matter of: How are we going to do this? How can we make this happen?”

Close to 100 supporters breakfasted with the golfers the morning of tee off. Various family members, friends and club members stood by them throughout the night, bringing the golfers food, drinks, changes of clothes and moral support. The weather, though sometimes cold with a misty rain, kept sun and heat stroke at bay and also kept the course pretty quiet.

While it’s too soon after the fact to discuss a similar event happening next year, both gentlemen can imagine this possibly becoming an annual event. Admitting to feeling somewhat physically sore, Andrew confesses, “One day on a golf course is a pretty small price to pay when you realize what cancer patients and their families have to go through every single day.”

Well done, guys. Congratulations to you and everyone who helped out.