Getting behind the Big Golf Race: Tanya and Chloe’s drive to save men’s lives

When Tanya Wilson’s husband Kevin was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2016, she and her family turned to one of their big passions in life – golf.

Tanya and her daughter Chloe have been raising money to help Kevin - and thousands of other men affected by prostate cancer - for almost a decade, galvanizing the support of their clubmates and even conquering 72 holes as part of the Big Golf Race last year.

Now the duo want to inspire other female golfers to join them in their drive to help save men’s lives.

“Golf is quite male-oriented, so there aren’t many ladies who play golf and would know about the work Prostate Cancer UK does in the sport,” explained Tanya. 

“For us, it’s just about raising awareness – making sure that men at the club are aware of their risk and go to their GP if they have any worries.”

Chloe added: “A lot of men aren’t on top of their health - we even found that with members of our own golf club.

“We told them that you have to ask for the PSA blood test. The more people who know about it, the more they can find out their risk. And the sooner treatment starts, the better it is.”

How one family’s passion for golf has made a big difference for men

Armed with their knowledge of the disease and their trusty golf clubs, the Wilsons began their fundraising efforts during Tanya’s captaincy at Arkley Golf Club in Hertfordshire.

They raised an incredible £16,500, including more than £12,000 through a hugely successful golf day that saw more than 50 players teeing off in support.

“Golf has been in our family for a long time,” said Tanya. “My brother, my mum, my dad - everyone plays. Chloe and I are obviously mad, passionate golfers too.

“The highlight of my captaincy was everyone getting together and knowing that everyone came to support us as a family. It’s been a tough journey, so we appreciate everyone’s willingness to help raise awareness and money.”

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Saving men’s lives with every swing

After joining thousands of other families affected by prostate cancer at our annual March for Men events, the Wilsons decided to up the ante - and the mileage - by taking on 72 holes in one day for the Big Golf Race last summer.

The marathon golfing challenge sees thousands of players hit the fairways in a bid to complete 36, 72 or 100 holes in a single day.

By going the distance for the Big Golf Race, people like Tanya and Chloe are helping to drive lifesaving prostate cancer research that will improve the way we diagnose the disease – so that more men find it early, when it’s easier to treat.

And as well as raising funds towards vital research, spending time on the course is also about boosting awareness of the most common cancer in men. Because every round, every hole and every swing counts.

Will you go the distance and join the Big Golf Race?

Having completed the epic 72-hole challenge with Chloe last summer, Tanya is urging others to follow in their footsteps and join the Big Golf Race this year.

And if you're thinking of teeing off in 2025, she has a few words of advice to help you on your way.

“It’s a really fun day,” she said. “Get up early and make sure you have a big lunch halfway through to keep you going. Get a shower in too, and don’t forget to change your socks!

“I’d also encourage people to come and support you. We had people playing with us that weren’t actually doing the whole 72 holes, and that gave us a bit of extra adrenaline to carry on.”

Chloe added: “Prostate cancer is a male cancer, but the women are behind them, supporting their husbands or dads 100 per cent.

“Fundraising and taking part in the Big Golf Race is a brilliant way of getting involved and giving back to Prostate Cancer UK.”

Join Tanya and Chloe and go the distance for men on the golf course this summer. Together, we can create a future where early diagnosis saves lives.

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