A GOLF tournament in Oakworth raising cash to take sick, elderly and disabled pilgrims to southern France and Ireland will be especially poignant this spring.

The tournament is staged by the Massabielle Group, which transports pilgrims to Lourdes, in southern France and also now to the west of Ireland.

Its latest fundraiser will be in memory of Keighley resident Tom Madden, who died in February aged 60.

Massabielle spokesman Sean Gilligan explained: "Tom has been much involved in our group, at one stage taking all the luggage in his own van to save expense and to ensure elderly pilgrims would be relieved of responsibility of their suitcases.

"Last year, along with friends, he drove a minibus so a lady with Huntington's Disease and her family could join our pilgrimage."

Explaining why pilgrimages were now being taken to Ireland in addition to Lourdes, Mr Gilligan added: "Last year for the first time, with rising costs of flights and accommodation, we decided to introduce a pilgrimage to western Ireland.

"A total of 67 pilgrims took part, visiting Knock, Attymass, Ballintubber Abbey, Balina and Westport. Some successfully made the ascent of Croagh Patrick.

"On Monday May 6 we'll hold our major fundraising event, A Grand Charity Golf Tournament, at Branshaw Golf Club. It will be followed by music, song and dance in the clubhouse.

"The Tom Madden Trophy, kindly donated by St Anne's Golfing Society in Tom’s memory, will be presented to the winners.

"There will also be a draw for the grand raffle tombola and a sports memorabilia auction."

People wanting to take part can contact either john@bronteengineering.co.uk or enquiries@branshawgolfclub.co.uk