A popular golf day which has been held every year since the death of the well-known Wilmslow businessman has raised over £62,000 for The Christie.
The 'Norton Barrie Classic' golfing tournament, now in its eighth year, is held in memory of keen golfer Barry Norton who died in 2008, aged 61. and was a patient at the specialist cancer centre.
Barry was founder of designer menswear store, Norton Barrie in Wilmslow that his son Blake now manages. Blake created the annual golfing event as a way of saying thank you to The Christie for the care that his father received, as well as a way of remembering him.
This year's event at the new club house in Northenden Golf Club was attended by 200 players (22 teams) with special guest of honour, Sir Alex Ferguson. Sir Alex was joined on the day by former Arsenal footballer, David Platt, who teed up on the course with him in Barry's memory.
Money was raised through team payments, corporate sponsors, a Beat The Pro competition, a prize draw and tombola, plus an auction of exclusive sporting merchandise, including a cap signed by American professional golfer, Jordan Spieth and a Manchester United Football Club shirt signed by Wayne Rooney.
Commenting on the event, Blake said: "The Christie was fantastic with my father and helped him immensely. I wanted to create something that everyone could remember him by. I love my golf and this came from my dad's love for the game and the times he took me to Northenden Golf Club for 'a knock'.
"When he passed away, I felt a golf day in his memory was the best way to create a lasting legacy, as well as continuing to run his successful stores and brand of Norton Barrie and help raise money for The Christie."
Mary Mclaughlin, corporate fundraising officer for The Christie charity, said: "Huge thanks to Blake and his team for their continued support and to everyone who took part to raise money for The Christie."
Christie Chief Executive, Roger Spencer attended the event to thank Blake and guests, many of whom who have attended the event every year, for their continued support, giving an update on some of the projects and services the charity has funded over the past year.
The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust through its fundraising activities, and delivers projects, equipment and improvements that are over and above what the NHS funds. The charity has over 43,000 supporters who helped raise £15.9m last year.
Photo: Blake Norton with Sir Alex Ferguson on the golf course.
