AN exiled Darwen golfer tackled one of the toughest challenges in the sport to boost the coffers of four different charities.

Nick McDonald and 11 fellow members of the Weald of Kent Golf Club took on the gruelling test of playing 72 holes in one day – and after a marathon stint that started at 4.30am they managed to raise more than £3,000 by the time the final putt was sunk just after 8pm.

The golfers walked more than 25 miles on the day with McDonald raising cash for the Royal Britis Legion David’s Day charity, which is an initiative to give disabled children and their parents a day out each year.

Other charities to benefit were McMillan, Stroke and the Milly Foundation.

McDonald, whose family still live in Darwen, now works in Kent for Royal British Legion Industries.