Omanu Golf Club players touched by cancer rally together to raise funds for Waipuna Hospice

A group of keen golf players who turned personal tragedy into an avenue to raise money for charity say they'd do it again in a heartbeat.

More than 80 people took part in the annual Hospice Charity Tournament at Omanu Golf Club yesterday, helping to raise money for Waipuna Hospice.

Nine Hole Club captain Lorraine Neilson said she became involved because her husband died 17 years ago from cancer so "this is just my little thing, my way of helping".

The tournament was started nine years ago by members.

Ms Neilson said she was not part of the original team but was keen to help out where she could.

"It has been an ongoing thing with a few members touched by cancer. We always try to make it an absolute bobby-dazzler [stand out]," she said.

The club had already raised $3000 by early yesterday.

"We've raised a lot of money, all for hospice. We've had such generous donations from the community. Everybody's touched by the Waipuna Hospice at some point in their life, so we do what we can."

Ms Neilson said it was the aim of organisers to have the event firmly established on the calendar year and to continue to grow in popularity.

"We wish to acknowledge the tireless and amazing work that hospice do on a daily basis, and to this end, it is our absolute pleasure to help in this small way."