Golf event raises £14,000 in dad’s memory
A Stirling family’s fundraiser in memory of a much missed son and brother who died aged 54 last year has raised £14,000 for charity.
Brian Oates had suffered from Crohn’s Disease for a number of years before he died last May from cancer, leaving partner Moyra, daughter Ciara, two granddaughters, dad John and mum Catherine and siblings Catriona, Desmond and David.
A charity golf tournament in memory of Brian, a project manager in the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen, took place at Stirling Golf Course on Sunday, May 13 which was attended by more than 60 golfers.
There was also a charity concert at Tobrex Community Choir where Brian’s father John sings, raising £500, and an online donation account raised £1570. Sister Catriona also ran the Stirling Half Marathon in April and raised £1989. A tablet sale and a fashion evening were also held to raise money to remember Brian.
The total sum of £14,000 was handed over to representatives of Crohn’s and Colitis UK and Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA) last Friday, June 22.
Brian’s sister Catriona Oates Thomson, of Dunblane, said this week:“From his late 30s Brian suffered quite severely from Crohn’s disease which changed his life significantly.
“Very little of the condition was known to his family at the time of his diagnosis and Brian bravely fought and managed his condition, often keeping his suffering and discomfort hidden from his loved ones.
“The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who have so generously donated to this cause and supported us over the last difficult year.
“We would also like to thank the staff at Stirling Golf Club for their generosity, kindness and support in hosting the Brian Oates Memorial Golf Competition and the handover event.”