Charity golf competition is in memory of tragic Vinny
Fundraisers are teed up to take part in a charity golf tournament this weekend in a bid to raise awareness of mental health issues.
The Vinny Torrance Invitational will see 100 players — playing in teams of four — take part in a Texas Scramble competition, with prizes for 1st and 2nd, as well as six feature holes.
Elderslie Golf Club will host the event and has helped keep costs down by subsiding green fees for the tournament, which has helped ensure a capacity attendance.
Following the golf, there will be a raffle and an auction to raise funds for the charity, as well as a social evening in the clubhouse.
In previous years, the event has raised more than £5,000 for Choose Life and the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) group.
And Elderslie men Stephen Torrance and Andy Payne have once again come together to honour the memory of Stephen’s brother Vincent, who was known as Vinny and passed away aged 27 in 2009 after taking his own life.
Much-loved Vinny, also from Elderslie, was survived by his parents Vincent and Patricia, brother Paul and sisters Clare and Ami.
Stephen has spoken openly about his brother’s battle with mental health issues, telling us: “Vincent battled with depression for a number of years, but hid it from friends and family.
“Like so many young men, he felt if he spoke about his illness then this was him showing a weakness.
“We want to raise awareness that depression and suicidal thoughts are not a weakness and that there is help out there.”
The tournament auction has six hospitality tickets to the Wales v Scotland rugby match at the 2018 Six Nations Championships to be won, kindly donated by Under Armour.
Worth an incredible £5,000, the current highest bid sits at £1,500 and further bids are encouraged to ensure as much money as possible is raised for the SOBS group.
Provost Lorraine Cameron is backing the golf day and said: “This is a terrific event as it allows the issue of suicide and depression to be raised and encourages people to discuss it with their peers.
“SOBS provides a great outlet for those who have been bereaved and the money raised will allow the group to continue to provide help to those who need it in Renfrewshire.
“Stephen should be proud of arranging such a fantastic event, which is a fitting tribute to his brother’s memory.”
SOBS meets on the last Wednesday of every month at The Wynd Centre, Paisley, from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Rosemary Mullan, Choose Life co-ordinator, said: “Without fundraisers and volunteers such as Stephen, the SOBS group would not be able to make the connections we do with those who may be suffering from suicidal thoughts.
“An event such as this is fantastic as it brings forward the issue of mental health to a demographic which can be most at risk and can hopefully allow anyone to seek help who may need it.”
The national helpline Breathing Space can be reached on 0800 83 85 87, and the number for The Samaritans is 116 123.
Recovery Across Mental Health (RAMH) First Crisis can be contacted on 0141 848 9090.
For more information on suicide prevention, call 0141 849 2200, or email rosemary.mullan@ renfrewshire.gov.uk
To make a bid for the rugby tickets, phone Stephen on 07881 581 241.
Vincent battled with depression for a number of years, but hid it from friends and family Stephen Torrance