THE family and friends of a champion golfer are hosting a fund-raising event to commemorate the first anniversary of his death.

Newbrough man Ken Mewse was 54 when he lost his battle against cancer on October 12 last year.

It’s less than two months since £2,245 was raised in Ken’s honour at a charity golf day at Tynedale Golf Club in Hexham.

Now his widow Katrina has organised another event in aid of the same beneficiary – Northumberland Palliative Care Trust Fund – which provided vital support after Ken was diagnosed with skin cancer in January, 2015.

This time around, Kristina has teamed up with Andy and Sue Smith, of the Red Lion pub in Newbrough.

Music will be provided by live bands on Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22, from 7.30pm.

Katrina said: “We wanted to do something else in support of the trust, and in doing so we can mark the first anniversary of Ken’s death.

“Andy and Sue are good friends and they were keen to get involved and provide the venue.

“It’s an opportunity for family, friends, and anyone who knew Ken to come along and enjoy some live music, some food, and have a catch up.

“Even if you didn’t know Ken, come along and help us support what is a very worthy cause.”

The Northumberland Palliative Care Trust provides specialist equipment for terminally ill patients.

Originally from Hexham, Ken initially rose to prominence as a young golfer, and won the club championship at Hexham Golf Club in 1985.

He went on to win seven consecutive club championships at Hexham’s other course at Tyne Green.

He worked for Hexham-based DIY merchants Matthew Chartlon, and later became a self-employed roofer, before taking early retirement in March 2014.

Ken was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma just three months later, and in January 2015, was told his condition was terminal.

Money raised during the charity golf day on August 21 exceeded the expectations of Kristina and fellow organiser, Ken’s long-term friend Graeme Gilhespy.