A GROUP of golfers teed off to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer after losing a friend to the disease.

The event on Saturday (November 17) featured 28 players, raising £200 for the Michael Blake Foundation named after Michael Blake, from St Mary Cray, who died in 2008.

While working their way round the 18 holes at the Orpington Golf Centre near Ruxley Wood, Sidcup, the charity golfers handed out leaflets to other players telling them of symptoms to watch out for.

They include difficulty in swallowing, weight loss, acid indigestion, vomiting and hoarseness or a chronic cough.

Michael Blake’s widow Vivien Blake, 56, was out on the course and Organiser Rob Britton, 53, said: "It was a really good day and a great turnout.

"Every time we do one a few more people are made aware and we like to think it helps save someone’s life.

"If we save just one life we have exceeded expectations."

The foundation has raised more than £13,000 since it started in 2009.