The West Watford Golfing Society has donated £7,500 to a hospice that cared for a former captain’s wife.

Neil Woodard, who captained the society from April 2012 to April 2013, presented the cheque to The Hospice of St Francis, in Berkhamsted, which cared for his late wife, Evelyn, in the weeks before the 57-year-old died in March 2008.

The money was raised through a Charity Pay to Play Golf Day and a dinner and auction in November, which attracted 120 players.

The donation has enabled the hospice to buy two special pressure-relieving mattresses, which enhance comfort for patients, reduce the need for constant turning and help prevent bed sores.

Mr Woodard said: "After the incredible support Lyn and the whole family received in equal part from the Hospice, I really wanted to give something back and I’m very grateful to the Society for backing me.

"We wanted to buy something specific rather than donate a cash sum and we chose mattresses because they were something the Inpatient unit really needed.

"It’s a great feeling to know that something that we’ve donated is directly benefitting patients. You can’t underestimate the importance of being comfortable and it’s wonderful to know we’re helping such a great cause, which gives the kind of care that money alone can’t buy."

The hospice, which provides care and support for people living with life-limiting illness, takes many patients from Kings Langley and Abbots Langley.