This year it was held in aid of the Paul Southgate Research Fund. The fund was established in memory of Paul, a former president of Parque da Floresta, who sadly passed away in June 2008. The charity is dedicated to raising vital funds for research into head and neck cancer and cancers affecting children and young adults. These are cancer types that are significantly underfunded and poorly studied compared to other cancers.

The prestigious golfing event was a fantastic way to enjoy one of Portugal’s finest golf courses while raising essential funds. Golf enthusiasts socialised and played alongside celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment in the four day programme and two-day golf competition from Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th July. The competition consisted of 17 teams of three players, each joined by a different celebrity each day. The winners of the Charity Golf Classic 2009 were Johnson Fitness, the reigning champions. The team of Jamie Burton, Craig Young and Thomas Maher were captained by legendary footballer Steve Bull MBE.

Celebrities who attended included actor and funny man Bradley Walsh, TV presenter Ben Shephard, ex footballer and TV presenter Bob Wilson OBE, actors Jamie Bamber, Colin Salmon and Johnny Briggs MBE, Rugby World Cup winner Kyran Bracken MBE, and singer Gareth Gates - to name but a few.