People named Mark called upon to raise money at London charity golf day

Some of the UK’s estimated 600,000 people called Mark have been called upon to take part in a world record attempt at Royal Blackheath Golf Club to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

The On Your Marks golf day will take 88 people called Mark and aim to raise £88,000 for charity just a stone’s throw from Canada.

The event – which will feature famous Marks including Olympic swimmer Mark Foster and former Ryder Cup captain Mark James – is the brainchild of Mark Taylor, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“He’s a keen golfer who has already raised over £300,000 through various golf challenges for Prostate Cancer UK,” the organisation said of its founder. “He’s also been part of organising an annual Marks’ lunch within the media industry for 35 years.”

Golfer James added: “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.” 

It’ll cost each player £350 to play at Royal Blackheath Golf Club on 21 September, when the world record attempt takes place, with further sponsorship opportunities available across holes, the breakfast or through prizes.

It is estimated that a group of people in numbers equal to the population of Sheffield have the name, with those without the name encouraged to involve those with it in their lives with the project.

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.

“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”

More information about the world record attempt can be found here.