MONEY raised by Orsett Golf Club is set to improve the lives of urology patients at Southend Hospital thanks to an £11,500 donation.

Members of the club, many who have received prostate cancer care at the hospital, 'putt' money in the fundraising pot and swung away for Southend Hospital.

Ron Wilkes, club member and a former club captain, has helped support the urology department since 2006, following his own diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

He said: "Having had major surgery and subsequent radiotherapy, I decided I would like to give something back for all the help the department had given me by organising annual golf days, which in turn has helped raise awareness with players at the club."

Peter Acher, Urology Consultant at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support received by members of Orsett Golf Club.

"Their charitable activity not only allows us to continually improve treatments for patients but helps in raising awareness of prostate cancer and the benefits linked with early detection."