Eight rounds, 144 holes, one day, thousands raised.
It’s no mean feat, but Mr Harrison is more than ready for the challenge.
He’s a plumber whose real passion lies with golf these days, after a decade out from football with the Rochester Tigers, he finds the pace more suitable for someone of his vintage.
Which is still young enough to have spent almost every weekend – including the one just gone – preparing for this moment.
After hundreds of rounds at Rich River, Parkland, Valley View, and many other courses, he’s set to take on Cancer Council’s Longest Day challenge, raising awareness and funds for cancer research on November 9.
“Throughout all my life I’ve had experiences with cancer,” he said.
"Everyone is touched by cancer in some shape or form, but there just seems to be so many close family and friends of mine who have died.“
Mr Harrison has lost grandparents, uncles, godparents, friends, and co-workers to cancer, witnessing the wide-reaching impacts the diseases have time and time again.
Those experiences and a desire to honour their memories are a big part of why he’s participating in the Longest Day challenge, braving up to fourteen hours of harsh December sun.
What was already set to be an emotional day will be made all the more so by Mr Harrison’s choice of golfing partners.
“I’m doing it with a group of mates, and my son will be joining us for a few rounds, he said.”
“The young fella never got to meet my grandmother and only has flickering memories of my grandfather.
“We’re doing it for them and some of the guys like Ed McQuienn (a golfing friend of mine who died after a battle with lung cancer) who gave my son a set of clubs right before he passed away.
“I’m excited for the camaraderie, to carry on their legacy, and just to show him what it means to come together for a cause and try to help others.”
Though his group’s date with Parkland Golf Club is still two months away, Mr Harrison’s fundraising efforts are well and truly in full swing.
Within two days of setting up his page, he was the top fundraiser in Australia.
"I was hoping to raise $1000,” he said.
“Within 48 hours I’d raised four grand, so yeah, pretty happy with that.”
The support came from far and wide, with even the GVL offering Mr Harrison a platform.
“I used to play for the Rochy Tigers, but I haven’t played GV for probably 10 plus years,” he said.
“But they still got on board and rang me to ask if they could post me on Facebook
“It certainly got a few more people involved, as well as a bit more exposure, and every little bit helps.”
Mr Harrison is no longer the top fundraiser nationally, sitting fifth at the time of writing, but he couldn’t care less about personal accolades.
For him, it’s as simple as doing his part to create a cancer free world.
Just weeks into his campaign, he’s already raised enough to fund nearly 100 hours of a cancer research assistant’s salary, and he’s encouraging others to join him.
“If you’re reading this, and you’re not signed up for this year’s longest day yet, have a think about doing it,” he said.
“You don’t have to be as silly as us and play 144 holes, you can just play a round or two.
“It’s all about getting your face onto the website and starting to try and raise money.
“Have a crack, raise awareness, and have a toast to those you’ve lost.”
To donate to Daryl Harrison’s campaign, visit https://tinyurl.com/4824dbrp
To sign up for the Longest Day challenge, visit https://tinyurl.com/yjrrmzc6
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