Jason Macbeth

More than 10 years of gruelling charity golf marathons have earned local fundraiser Jason Macbeth a nomination for Local Hero, sponsored by by Green Park.

For over 10 years, Jason has taken on increasingly demanding endurance challenges around the time of the longest day of the year. What began as 72 holes in a day for Macmillan Cancer Support has grown into the remarkable feat of playing 100 holes in a single day to raise money for local charities supported by the club captains.

“Jason starts at first light, around 4.30am, and keeps going until around 7.30 or 8pm,” said the nominating members. “Even in blistering heat, including one year when temperatures reached 38 degrees, he carried on with only the briefest stops,”

Fellow members volunteer throughout the day to accompany and encourage him, while other golfers stand aside to allow him to continue his marathon effort uninterrupted.

“If you could see him when he finishes you would see just what an effort it takes to complete the challenge,” the nominator wrote.

His club, The Caversham, estimates that Jason has personally raised more than £40,000 for charity, supporting organisations including New Beginnings, Reading Family Aid, ABC, Dementia Adventure, Lily-May Arrhythmia Alliance, Daisy’s Dream and Duchess of Kent Hospice.

“A local lad from Emmer Green and a great advocate for Reading”, Jason’s dedication, resilience and commitment to helping others have earned enormous respect within the club community.

His stellar efforts have also earned a nomination for The Inspiration Award, sponsored by McDonald‘s.