Ray De Branco, from Bedford, was diagnosed with locally advanced prostate cancer in 2014 but is determined to change the game for men and families impacted by the disease.
Ray’s diagnosis 10 years ago inspired him to lead a fundraising and awareness drive for Prostate Cancer UK, combining his enthusiasm for saving lives and his love of golf by hosting an annual golf day at his club, Pavenham Park Golf Club in Bedfordshire.
The 76-year-old pledged to raise £100,000 for Prostate Cancer UK when planning for his first golf day in 2016, and, seven years later, Ray’s dream was realised when the 2023 instalment saw his fundraising soar to over £107,000.
“I wanted to help all men, having been an active sportsman all my life,” he said. “Golf was my main sport, and we wanted to raise awareness and thought this was a great platform on which to do that. We also wanted to raise much-needed funds for research into the disease.
“The support from my golf club, partner, and family means an awful lot to me. While organising the event is very time-consuming, their support is heart-warming.
“My partner Anne knows it’s not easy for me to live with the diagnosis, but having the ongoing support of all our friends at the club has made the situation much easier. She says that after a round of golf – and the banter at the 19th hole – I come home a different person, ready to fight another day.”
Over the years, Sheffield Wednesday fan Ray has scored support from dozens of national and local businesses, as well as the backing of friends and family who have also turned their hands to fundraising to boost his total.
Ray, who is now undergoing a second course of radiotherapy after discovering his cancer had spread in early 2023, admits that there are days in which he struggles with his diagnosis, but he has always found solace on the golf course.
He said: “Golf is part of my weekly routine; it’s a chance to be with friends on a regular basis. The golf might not always turn up, but my friends always do!”
In support of Ray, Titleist and Prostate Cancer UK joined forces to provide him with a Titleist Tour bag with both his name and the Prostate Cancer UK logo crested on the belly patch.
Seren Evans, Head of Events and Community Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Ray has been a valued supporter of Prostate Cancer UK for many years, and we’re delighted to have teamed up with Titleist to thank him for his fantastic fundraising with a bespoke golf bag.
“He’s truly galvanised the golf community to support him and Prostate Cancer UK since his diagnosis, and his fundraising efforts mean we’ll be able to continue to fund life-saving research into the disease and help save men’s lives.
“We’re massively grateful to Ray for his continued support and to Titleist for their help in marking his amazing achievement.”
Peter Stanford, Golf Gear Category Manager, Titleist UK, said: “When we heard about Ray’s story, we of course wanted to support his cause.
His efforts are truly inspiring and despite all the challenges he has faced, he continues to keep overcoming obstacles by raising huge amounts of money for a great cause.
“It is great to hear the golfing community come together in support of Ray and here at Titleist, we were delighted to play our part in providing him with a crested Tour Bag as he continues his fund-raising efforts on the golf course.
“We would like to again congratulate Ray on this amazing achievement and wish him all the best in his future charity golf days.”
Titleist and Prostate Cancer UK will once again be joining forces to support The Big Golf Race, where Titleist will be providing an ultimate golfing package worth £3,000 for one lucky fundraiser.