Record numbers turn out for Hayden Marshall-Inman fundraiser

December 8, 2023
The fundraiser took place in Ohope.

Record numbers have turned out for this year's Hayden Marshall-Inman golf fundraiser in Ohope.

The annual fundraiser set up to remember the tour guide puts money towards good causes each year, and 2023's effort is no exception.

Around 152 players, wearing matching commemorative shirts, have rolled out the trundlers and golf carts to support the cause.

Hayden's brother Mark Inman says the tournament continues to grow, and despite potentially oversubscribing, they've made it work.

He told 1News it was a "bit overwhelming" to see so many here.

"I'm humbled to come from this area and to see the support not only for our family but for all the families and everybody that's affected you couldn't get a better community to live in," he said.

Tomorrow marks four years since the Whakaari White Island tragedy.

Forty-seven people were on the island when it erupted just after 2pm on December 9, 2019.

Twenty-two people were killed and dozens were badly injured. Hayden Marshall-Inman was one of two whose bodies were never recovered.

Mark Inman said today is a way of turning the tragedy into something positive.

"And reflect and take a moment to actually make time to catch up, that's what it's about quite often.

"We always talk about catching up but we never do."

He says the fundraiser is becoming a "marquee event" for the town, and he hopes to raise $50,000 for the Coastguard.

"If we can do that, that's sensational for them because it'll make all the difference," he said.

He said the Coastguard is planning to build an educational facility, and needs space to store a new quad bike and jetski.

Last year, $37,000 was raised and donated to St John which helped purchase a major incident support team vehicle.

It was parked at the 17th hole so that those playing were able to see where the money went.

Asked whether he was worried about a stray shot, Mark Inman laughed and said: "I've got faith in these guys out on the course, mate."

"I guess it deserves a view that it's got looking straight at Whakaari - it's a perfect place for it."

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