This unique golf charity day will set a new world record

This is a golf day like no other. One golfer is attempting to set a new world record - and raise huge sums for charity - by enlisting 88 people named Mark to join him at historic Royal Blackheath Golf Club on Monday, September 21st.

You may have heard of the time in New York City when a bar was full of just Ryans, or even the town of Phil Campbell in Alabama that has a gathering of individuals named (you guessed it) Phil Campbell, but this is a golf twist on the formula.

Mark Taylor is on a recruitment drive to enlist the support of 88 other golfing Marks to help him raise an incredible £88,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, while also setting a new record for the largest golf competition where all competitors have the same name.

The 69-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 and since then has combined his love for golf and determination to make a difference for men and their families by hosting a series of golf challenges - including conquering The Big Golf Race twice - raising over £300,000 for Prostate Cancer UK so far.

He said: "One in eight men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and sadly 12,000 men die annually. I’m one of the lucky ones by having had a PSA blood test every year for ten years. I’m living with prostate cancer, but friends are suffering or have died from it by not catching it early enough. I’m lucky to have a large group of friends from the advertising and media industry who always support my challenges and fundraising efforts, so a big thank you to them.

"Golf plays a huge part in helping to raise money and awareness of the disease. I’ve been playing golf for most of my adult life since the age of 15, and the older I get, the more people I meet who talk to me about their diagnosis. Because there's so much camaraderie in golf, I think more people are prepared to talk about it."

The ‘On Your Marks’ golf day was born out of a ‘Marks lunch’; a meet-up where Mark and his namesakes from the media industry get together once a year. Taylor, along with friends Mark Wood and Mark Palmer, are now the driving force behind the record-breaking day, which will take place at the famous Royal Blackheath Golf Club, England’s oldest golf club. 

England Golf has also pledged its support to the day and will ratify the world record, while former European Tour star and Ryder Cup captain Mark James is backing his fellow Marks by becoming an ‘88 Marks’ ambassador.  

"I knew that the maximum amount of people you could get on a golf day for a shotgun start was 88, and then I thought it could be a world record," Taylor added. "I’ve previously done events where we did 100 holes for £100,000, so we thought of 88 Marks and £88,000. And as one in eight men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the numbers work."

The re-Mark-able fundraiser comes as Prostate Cancer UK launches its campaign to give men the power to navigate prostate cancer at every step of their journey. Prostate cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, affecting thousands of men every year. By 2036, 750,000 men will be living with the disease or experiencing side effects from the treatment.

The leading men’s health charity offers men trusted, expert information and support, and funds groundbreaking research that is transforming the future of cancer care - from making screening a reality, to finding better treatments that give men fewer side effects.

Prostate cancer is curable if caught early, but early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, so it is vital that men know their risk. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. 

Seren Evans, Senior Head of Mass Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to Mark Taylor for continuing his brilliant support this year. Hosting a golf day is already a fantastic way to back men affected by prostate cancer - but a World Record attempt involving 88 Marks and aiming to raise £88,000 takes it to another level. 

"It’s a wonderfully imaginative idea that brings people together and shines a light on the most common cancer in the UK. Thanks to supporters like Mark we can fund more lifesaving research and change the game for men. Thank you to everyone involved - you’re really making your Mark!"

As well as raising money through the golf day, Mark is organising an auction where celebrity, sporting or business Marks can donate items to be bid on. Items that already feature include sporting memorabilia, exclusive dining experiences and opportunities to play at some of the UK’s top golf courses.

For more information, please visit www.onyourmarksgolf.com, or to donate, click here.