WOULD-be Rory McIlroys are urged to pick up their clubs this Sunday to help raise money for a child’s cancer charity appeal.

Gareth Simpson, from Halesowen, is organising the golf day to raise money for the Joshua Battling Cancer fund in aid of the cancer centre at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The fund was set up by Joshua, an eight-year-old patient from Tipton, who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Grateful dad, Mr Simpson, of Southwick Road, has pledged to raise £2,000 for the hospital as a thank you for the treatment and care his son Morley, aged three, received there when he contracted meningitis as a baby.

He has already raised £1,700 and is on target to raise several hundred pounds at the golf day at Cleobury Mortimer Golf Club which has already attracted 12 teams of four.

The fundraiser will also include a raffle and an auction with valuable prizes including a bottle of House of Commons whisky signed by the Prime Minister, donated by Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris.

Mr Morris said: “This looks like being a fantastic event in aid of a fantastic cause and I was very pleased when Gareth asked me to add my support.”

Mr Simpson, a 34-year-old recruitment consultant, will also be running in next month’s London Marathon to raise money for the fund.

Entry costs £30 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf, a buffet lunch and live music.

To book a place or team call Mr Simpson on 07980 720 884 or email garthrunning4bch@yahoo.co.uk