The captain of a golf club in Sudbury has raised £7,000 to support people with osteoporosis.

John Bennett, captain of Sudbury Golf Club, in Bridgewater Road, gathered his members and players to raise the money for the National Osteoporosis Society.

Fundraising efforts included a raffle, a Captain’s golf day and a number of other auctions and events.

Mr Bennett was moved to raise money for the charity because his wife Halina has the condition, a progressive disease which causes bones to break more easily.

He said: “Most of our members are men and I wanted to raise awareness of osteoporosis and emphasise that it isn’t just a condition that affects women. Our lady members too were all fully behind the cause and it was nice to be able to choose a charity that was meaningful for so many people associated with the club”.

He added: “Local businesses, including Wembley Stadium, were extremely generous and donated raffle and auction prizes which helped the fundraising total reach such a generous amount.”

NOS says that one in every two women and one in five men over 50 will break a bone, mainly because of poor bone health.

Stella Scrivener, regional development manager for the charity, said: “It was a delight to be able to accept this cheque from John and to hear all about the events that have taken place.

“The charity is so grateful to everyone that has played golf, bid on an auction prize or bought a raffle ticket over the past year”.

For free support and information to people affected by osteoporosis and fragility fractures, call the helpline on 0845 450 0230.