Golfer Russell does the rounds for charity cash
A GOLFING enthusiast believes he is the first man in Scotland to complete the “longest week in golf” to raise money for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charities.
Russell Gray, the 31-year-old manager of the Mearns Golf Academy, began his mission to play 20 rounds in five days on Monday in hope of raising £5000 for children who suffer with inflammatory bowel disease. He finished his challenge last night.
An average round of golf is around seven miles, meaning the golfer would have walked up to 28 miles a day.
He said: “It’s been tough – the worst has definitely been on my feet where I have huge blisters and a bleeding toe.
“My golf swing actually isn’t too bad. My back hasn’t hurt as much as I thought, but I’ve walked the equivalent of a couple of marathons, so it’s no shock my feet are bearing the brunt of it.”
“I’m raising money in two ways. Firstly through my Just Giving page, but people can join me for a round if they donate more than £50.”
Russell was joined by Scottish professional Alastair Forsyth at Williamwood Golf Club on Monday as they teed off at 5am to begin the marathon challenge.
Having moved from Yorkhill in 2015, the money raised will go towards providing enhanced medical equipment and funding further research at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
More than 160,000 babies and children are treated at the facility each year.
Kirsten Sinclair, Director of Fundraising at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We are absolutely delighted that Russell has chosen to support our young patients with this incredible challenge.
“Completing 20 rounds of golf in five days will be physically and mentally demanding, but we’re sure that he will be inspired by the children who will benefit from his efforts.
“The money that Russell raises will be used to help children who are treated in the hospital for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and they’ll be right behind him as he takes on this challenge”.
You can support Russell by donating to his page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/longestweekingolf