Golf lovers across Surrey are being encouraged to tee off and try their luck at scoring a hole in one in support of people with diabetes next month when leading health charity Diabetes UK holds a charity golf day in Reigate.

The charity will be holding its team golf day on Monday 18 October at the Reigate Hill Golf Club, Gatton Bottom.

From 9.30am golf enthusiasts from across the area are being invited to form teams of four and compete across the 18-hole course to be crowned the charity winners.

The day will include a two course meal, a raffle, competitions and prizes will also be given for the shots such as the nearest pin and longest drive.

The price to enter for each team is £188 or £144 for Reigate Hill Golf Club members.

Penny January, Diabetes UK South East Fundraising Manager, said: “Our charity golf day in 2009 was a great day so we’re looking to build on that success but need your help.

"We’re encouraging as many people as possible to sign up to take part in the day and help us raise vital funds to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

“There are more than 300,000 people diagnosed with diabetes in the South East and a further 65,000 who have Type 21 diabetes but don’t know it.

"Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK and if left untreated can lead to some serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation. With your help however, we can get a step closer towards a future without diabetes.”

Four hundred people are diagnosed with diabetes every day in the UK.

The main risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes are being overweight, being over 40 (or over 25 in Black and South Asian people) and having a close relative with diabetes. Diabetes UK urges anyone who could be at risk of developing the condition to go to their doctor or healthcare professional for a simple diabetes test. People can find out their diabetes risk score via a new online test at www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore

For more information or to register for the charity golf day please call Penny January in the Diabetes UK South East office on 01372 731361.