THE wife of talented golf player Ben Harvey, who lost his battle with cancer aged just 28, teed off a special charity golf day in his memory.

Claudia Harvey, who only learnt to play golf after her beloved husband’s death, played the opening round at the Ben Harvey Memorial Golf Day.

A total of 200 golfers took to the fairways at Canford Golf Course and raised a reported £26,500 for the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s oncology unit to help keep Ben’s memory alive.

Ben was a much-loved and respected Dorset and England Boys international, described as a great role model and a true champion.

It’s hoped the golf day, which also included a prize-giving ceremony, auction and raffle, will now become a regular event, taking place every other year.

Claudia said: “Ben was amazingly popular and there was no shortage of people that wanted to take part in this event.

"We just wanted to make it a success and for everybody to have a good day and I think we’ve achieved that so I’m very pleased.

“It’s just so nice that something good can come out of a tragic situation.

"Ben was a massive believer in positive thinking and getting on with things and so we’ve tried to take a similar attitude. I think he would be really proud.”

The couple had a young son Finley, who is just about to turn two.

He was present for the golf day, along with Ben’s parents Pat and Sue and his best friends.

Claudia said: “I was very nervous for my first tee shot but it wasn’t too bad and I’ve come away happy that I made it round and held my own.

“Ben always said it would be nice if I played golf too and I think he would be happy and proud, and that’s a very good feeling.

“Ben was incredibly special and I think that’s proved by the number of people who have come here today and supported us.

“Hopefully we will have raised a large amount of money for wards 10 and 11 at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, who provided fantastic care for Ben.”