Community fundraiser in memory of Reading man returns
A much-loved community fundraiser in Reading is set for its biggest outing yet, as the Grub Golf Day returns on 24 July in memory of James Sturgess, who died from bone cancer in 2017. Organised by his brother Mark Sturgess, the event aims to raise more than £5,000 for the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, building on years of grassroots support that have already generated almost £30,000 through this event and wider fundraising.
Stronger turnout, same mission
Hosted at Weybrook Park Golf Club, the Grub Golf Day has reached full capacity with 75 players signed up—an increase from 58 last year. Organisers say the expanded field reflects growing local backing for the cause and the legacy it honours. With play at capacity, supporters are still being encouraged to turn out for the afternoon and evening programme, which features a raffle, an auction and live music.
"Sue Ryder were amazing with James when he was poorly. They supported not only him but all of us as a family, both mentally and medically."
That is how Mark Sturgess described the support his family received—motivation that continues to drive the event’s momentum each year.
Headline sponsor and practical details
This year’s edition marks a milestone with the first headline sponsor, Sonning Common Garage, backing the fundraiser. While player registration is now closed, residents can still participate by attending the later activities on the day to help push the total past the £5,000 target and add to the cumulative sum raised across the initiative to date.
- Date: 24 July
- Venue: Weybrook Park Golf Club
- Beneficiary: Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice
- Status: Player field at capacity; public welcome for afternoon/evening
- Activities: Raffle, auction, live music
- Headline sponsor: Sonning Common Garage
By the numbers
| Year | Registered players | Fundraising note |
|---|---|---|
| Last year | 58 | Growing participation |
| This year | 75 | Target £5,000+; total to date nearly £30,000 |
Why it matters for Reading
For many families locally, the Duchess of Kent Hospice is a name associated with care and compassion at difficult times. Although the golf day is a single event, its impact is cumulative: every additional player, raffle ticket or auction bid helps sustain the hospice’s work. The steady rise in participants—from 58 to 75—suggests the community is intent on maintaining that support. With the new headline sponsorship from Sonning Common Garage, organisers also signal a broadening base of backing that can make fundraising efforts more resilient.
As the player list is now full, the invitation is open to those who want to lend their support off the fairways. Turning out for the afternoon and evening activities on 24 July is a direct way for Reading residents to contribute to the event’s goal of surpassing £5,000 this year and to help push the long-running total towards and beyond the £30,000 mark.
