A remarkable fundraising effort inspired by one Warrington family’s cancer journey has raised an incredible £80,000 for North West Cancer Research following a charity golf day and gala dinner at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa.
The event, organised by Laurence Barrow, Managing Director of Warrington-based Barrow Electrical, brought together businesses, sponsors, golfers and volunteers from across the North West for a day that will help fund vital cancer research in the region.
The fundraising initiative was inspired by Laurence’s wife, Claire, who was diagnosed with a stage two glioma, a form of brain cancer, in 2025 before undergoing major surgery and treatment at The Walton Centre. Since then, the family has become passionate supporters of North West Cancer Research, determined to help improve outcomes for families facing similar battles.
Speaking after the event, Laurence said: “I genuinely still can’t believe I’m writing that. Last Friday was everything I hoped it would be – and so much more.
“To every single sponsor, golfer, volunteer and every person who supported us in any way… thank you. You helped raise an incredible £80,000 for North West Cancer Research.
“That money will fund life-changing research right here in the North West and help bring hope to so many families.
“Last year, cancer stole so many moments from our family following Claire’s diagnosis. This week has been about taking a little of that time back. It’s a reminder of exactly why we did this in the first place.”
The event featured an 18-hole championship golf competition followed by a gala dinner and auction, attracting widespread backing from the regional business community. Headline sponsors included Vanliners, CAMS, Alan C Davies and Jacob & Co, while dozens of other businesses contributed through sponsorship, donations and prizes.
Laurence paid tribute to Alan Knell and the team at North West Cancer Research, the staff at The Mere, every sponsor and volunteer, saying the event had grown from “an idea that started during a very average round of golf.”
He added: “This wasn’t just about one golf day. It’s about giving families hope. It’s about funding research. It’s about changing lives. And we’re only just getting started.”
Such was the success of the inaugural event that plans are already underway for an even bigger fundraiser in 2027.
“The response since the event has honestly blown us away,” Laurence said.
“Sponsors, golfers and supporters have all been asking the same question… ‘When’s the next one?’ So I think it’s only fair to say… we’re going again next year.”
The event also highlights the ongoing commitment of Barrow Electrical to supporting the local community. During its 20th anniversary year, the Warrington company has continued to combine business growth with charitable initiatives, recently receiving the High Sheriff’s Award for Excellence in Enterprise in recognition of both its commercial success and community impact.
North West Cancer Research funds pioneering research across the region, where cancer outcomes remain significantly worse than elsewhere in the UK because of historic underinvestment in research. Money raised through events such as Laurence’s golf day helps scientists develop earlier diagnosis, better treatments and improved survival rates for patients and their families.
For Laurence and Claire, however, the £80,000 total represents far more than a fundraising figure.
It is a lasting thank you for the care and support their family has received, while offering renewed hope that future families facing a cancer diagnosis will benefit from the life-saving research the money will help fund.
