On your Marks, get set, golf!

If your name is Mark, you have a unique opportunity to make your mark in history by being one of just 88 people called Mark setting a World Record and aiming to raise £88,000 for the Prostate Cancer UK.

Event organiser Mark Taylor (pictured above), who himself has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, is staging the ‘Mark’-only event on Monday 21 September.

Having organised an annual Marks’ lunch within the media industry for 35 years, three of the 36 Marks, Tommy, Woody and Cole, came up with the idea of a ‘Mark’ Golf Day which seamlessly grew into a World Record attempt at Royal Blackheath Golf Club in September. This will set a World Record for “the most players with the same name playing in a golf competition”.

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!”

Mark James (pictured below), former Ryder Cup Captain and Ambassador for On Your Marks, commented: “This is a great idea for a very worthy cause. It’s remarkable how many people I know who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. My oldest friend has just had months of hormone treatment and radiotherapy for the last four weeks.

“He told me to get tested recently (negative fortunately), so after his experience of having had no symptoms, like Chris Hoy, I made the effort. I would be delighted to support “On Your Marks” in any way I can in that respect or any other.”

Mark Taylor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2022 and is currently under surveillance by the NHS. An amateur golfer since the age of 15 (now 69), he set out to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

He raised £48k in 2023 by playing 72 holes in day with seven friends and then £23k in 2024, followed by playing 100 holes in a day with 28 others at Beaconsfield Golf Club raising £360,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Now.

“This is the research project that we are funding (click here) with all monies raised ring-fenced. Total cost of research is £350,000,” he says.

Mark commented: “One in eight men Men in the UK are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer every year and 12 will die. I am one of the lucky ones by having had a PSA test every year for 10 years. I’m living with it, but friends are suffering and have died of it by not catching it early enough. I am lucky to have a large group of friends from the advertising and media industry who always support my challenges and fundraising efforts. A BIG thank you to them.”

You can register your interest and join this fantastic fundraising effort by clicking here, or you can donate items and bid at the amazing auction which will go live in September, by clicking here.

For more information, contact marktaylor@onyourmarksgolf.com