Golfers tee off for CHAS
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A charity event held in memory of a young Hamilton boy who died aged only 13 has raised £7750.
The special Paul Creaney Memorial event has been held at Hamilton Golf Club every year since the youngster died in 2013.
All of the cash raised goes to the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS).
Organiser Stewart Henderson said: “Paul was the son of family friends and I decided it would be good to do something annually to keep his memory alive.
“His family received amazing help from CHAS when Paul was alive and support after he passed away, so we thought it would be good to give something back to them,” said the dad-of-two.
“Paul’s family used to visit Rachel House Children’s Hospice in Kinross to get some respite and they really appreciated the help they received from CHAS.”
Stewart, of Wellmeadows Court in Hamilton, organises the four-person team event at his home town club.
Teams can be all-male, all-female or mixed and pay £120 to take part.
Each team gets 18 holes of golf and food twice in the day for donating the fee.
“Hamilton Golf Club kindly give us use of the course free on the day and that is much appreciated,”said Stewart (50).
“It means that most of the money from the entrance fee goes straight into the charity pot.”
Around 25 teams took part this year and the winners were Steam Electrical Group from Hamilton.
They were led by Billy Scott, a former captain of Hamilton Golf Club.
Later in the evening an auction is held and that also helps swell the coffers.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended on the day and the golf club for their support, it is much appreciated,”said Stewart.
In the three years the event has been held the total money raised for CHAS has been £20,000.
Samantha Reilly of CHAS said: “I am always overwhelmed when I hear how much is raised from this event.
“Stewart, his wife Michelle, and everyone else involved should be so proud – what a special way to remember Paul.”