A 91-YEAR-OLD has raised more than £15,000 for people less fortunate during the coronavirus crisis by playing one thousand holes of golf in his back garden.

Jan Collins, from Troon, set himself the challenge over 28 days to help cancer care charity Marie Curie and the STV Children’s Appeal.

The keen golfer was inspired to make a difference and enlisted the help of Irvine company GolPhin who designed a five hole course at his home.

His loyal dog Rosie acted as a caddy as he set about completing the course to help people less fortunate during the lockdown.

Jan said: “I am delighted to be playing golf again and doing it in a way to raise funds to help people who are suffering such hardship from coronavirus, particularly those suffering from terminal illnesses.”

Jan initially set a target of raising £5,000 but exceeded well beyond his goal landing £15,000 to be split between the two causes.

Now Marie Curie hope his story will inspire golfers who are out playing rounds after restrictions were lifted last month.

The charity are looking for golfers or clubs to get involved.

Marie Curie’s Community Fundraiser for Ayrshire Elma Mitchell said: “Jan is such an inspiration and we thank~him so much for his amazing support by completing his ‘Garden Gold Challenge’.

“We hope his story will encourage other golfers young and old to pick up their clubs and raise money for Marie Curie. Life may be beginning to start up again, but for people with a terminal diagnosis, and families devastated by loss, there’s no going back.

“Our nurses, hospices and Support Line have been here through it all, day and

night, seven days a week, caring for people with and without coronavirus.

“Right now, more people need us than ever before.”

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