Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world, so it is a given that many people have golf fever.

But marathon man Brian Morris finished playing the game for 24 hours straight yesterday morning, and it was in memory of his cousin Lori Mello who passed away several months ago at just 24.

This time last year, Lori was fighting for her life, suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Over the course of 13 months she underwent eight chemotherapy and two rounds of radiation. Friends and family looked to the community for help to overcome what seemed to be insurmountable medical bills.

And Bermudians answered the rallying call and donated approximately $200,000. Her cousin Mr. Morris also answered the call and completed a 24-hour golf-a-than and raising more than $30,000 last year.

Unfortunately, Lori did not win her battle and passed away in June.

But three of her closest friends, Lauren Mahoney, Kara Mederios and Jennifer Morris, were adamant that Lori's memory would live on and created the Fight For Life foundation.

The charity raises money to defray the cost of overseas cancer treatments, and other life-saving medical treatments, for Bermudians under 26.

At 8 a.m. yesterday Mr. Morris finished his 10 rounds of golf – or 180 holes – in just 24 hours. He raised more than $10,000 for the charity.

And money is still pouring in, companies across the Island held denim days to support the event.

Lauren Mahoney said the first Fight for Life Foundation fundraiser went off without a hitch.

"It was amazing," she said. "Brian actually felt more confident this time because he knew he could do it after last year. He had people with him throughout the day and night. We took it in shifts.

"We are really pleased to have raised more than $10,000. Last year the event raised more because there was a face and a name behind the cause, but for people to donate $10,000 this year when there was no face or name attached to it – that is still a lot!"

Mr. Morris was not available for comment, as understandably he was fast asleep yesterday after the gruelling game of golf.

Since The Royal Gazette wrote about the new charity a month ago, they have received names of individuals who are suffering from life-threatening illness, but Ms Mahoney urged others to contact them as well.

The girls have big dreams, they hope it will turn into Bermuda's version of Make a Wish foundation. They want to help people fight against debilitating diseases, but also to provide them some comfort.

People can pledge money by mailing a cheque to the foundation at 26 Harvest Lane, Hamilton CR 01 or donating online to the Bank of Bermuda account number 010-743417-001.

To qualify for financial assistance an individual must be a Bermudian under 26 who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.

To nominate someone e-mail fightforlifefoundation[AT]yahoo.com or call 291-5568.