Former snooker champion John Virgo continues to support Princess Alice Hospice

Rocky Taylor, John’s son Gary and John Virgo

Since 2013 retired professional snooker player, John Virgo, has been hosting Golf Days at Hersham Golf Club to raise funds for Princess Alice Hospice.

The Hospice has extended a huge thank you to both the Hersham Golf Club for accommodating the days and to John for hosting, as together they have raised an amazing £30,945 for the Hospice during that time. Thanks must also go to retired stuntman Rocky Taylor who assisted the club in organising several golf days for the Hospice.

After turning professional in 1976, John won four professional snooker titles, including the 1979 UK Championship, the 1980 Bombay International and the 1984 Professional Snooker League. A member of the sport’s elite Top 16 for seven seasons, John is also a former British Open and World Championship semi-finalist and was runner-up at the 1980 Champion of Champions and the 1984 Australian Masters. He retired from professional snooker in 1994.

John, famous not only for playing snooker but for his flamboyant waistcoats, now lives in Spain but returns every year to support the Hospice for which they are extremely grateful.

Claire Woodward, Community, Corporate and Events Lead for the Hospice said, “We are truly honoured that John has continued to support us over such a long period of time and to Dean and all at Hersham Golf Club for arranging the day with John. Thank you all.”

Princess Alice Hospice: For Excellence. For Compassion. For People. For Living.

For 40 years, Princess Alice Hospice has provided free, high-quality, specialist end-of-life care to tens of thousands of people across a large part of Surrey, south west London and Middlesex. Today, Hospice nurses, doctors and other specialist staff are looking after over 1000 patients at any one time, in their homes or on the In-Patient Unit.

The Hospice’s mission is to reach even more people by delivering outstanding care to those who need it. To enable us to do this, we rely on the commitment and kind support of our communities who help us to raise vital funds.

Each year, it costs £12.3 million to provide our free, vital services. With just 20% of NHS funding provided, the remaining 80% is raised through legacies, fundraising, selling pre-loved items in our shops, and investments. It is the amazing support of our generous supporters and dedicated volunteers that allows our work to continue.