TWO decades after she passed away, Sarah Green remains at the forefront of many people’s minds.

Sarah, from Ferndown, was just 31 when she passed away in 2003 after having leukaemia.

To celebrate her life, family and friends later set up the Sarah Green Golf Tournament, which last year marked its 20th year.

The event, held at Christchurch Golf Club each September, raises money for Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity behind the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital, where Sarah spent her final days.

Since it was founded, the tournament has raised more than £150,000.

“The tournament brings together family members, friends, golfers, and many local businesses to compete for the Sarah Green Trophy and to enjoy dinner and entertainment,” said Sarah’s brother, Anthony Rogers, the driving force behind the event.

“This year we were thrilled to surpass the £152,000 mark.”

“I don’t think any of the organisers would have imagined the event would still be going after 20 years, or how well supported it is and how much money we would raise in that time,” he went on.

“Massive thanks must go to the organising committee, our amazing volunteers, sponsors and the fabulous teams at the Macmillan Unit and Christchurch Golf Club, for all their generosity and support.

“I am sure Sarah would be thrilled knowing she has a legacy which is helping others. But I think she’d also joke that she can’t believe we are still doing it.”

Sarah Green passed away in 2003

Neal Williams, trust secretary at Macmillan Caring Locally, said: “It’s wonderful to see how Sarah’s life continues to inspire people to support our charity and the care provided in the Macmillan Unit and in our community.

“Over the years this hugely enjoyable event has enabled us to complete a number of major projects and refurbishments in our hospice.

“We are so grateful for the hard work that the organisers put in, and the generosity of everyone who takes part.”

Byron Hutcheson, director of golf at Christchurch Golf Club, said: “We have had the privilege of hosting the Sarah Green Golf Tournament for several years and we are pleased to say it keeps going from strength to strength.

“I personally can’t wait to start organising the 2024 event and to improving even further on its success.”

The Sarah Green Golf Tournament caters for up to 26 teams of four. Registration for the 2024 tournament opens early next year. For more details, email Anthony Rogers at anthony-rogers@hotmail.co.uk.