Emotional tribute to golfing fundraisers

Carnoustie: Couple praise efforts of pals to raise cash for Maggie’s after son’s death

A Carnoustie couple have been left overwhelmed by the fundraising efforts held in memory of their son which have raised more than £35,000 for the Maggie’s Centre in Dundee.

Neill and Lynda Cargill lost their only son, Ross, to cancer 10 years ago.

The keen golfer was 25 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and, despite treatment, he lost his battle a year later.

Since then, a dedicated group of friends has taken part in a golf day in Ross’s memory at Arbroath Golf Club, attracting up to 40 competitors on the day.

The ROSSCO event is organised by Ross’s friends Blair Young and Colin Watson, with Blair’s mum Lorraine helping with the administration.

Neill said: “I feel some sort of recognition is deserved for the lads involved.

“Every year they hold a golf day in memory of Ross and on the day they also raise money for Maggie’s Centre, Dundee, where my son got a lot of comfort after he was diagnosed.

“We thought it would last a couple of years and would then fizzle out, but they have held one every year for the last 10 years which is fabulous.

“My son was a keen golfer, a 10 handicap. He died in May 2007 and while we are all Carnoustie based, the Open was held that year so it was played at Arbroath and has been played there every July since.

“The amount raised is staggering and it is all down to the three people who organise it – two of Ross’s pals and one of his pal’s mothers.

The Cargills, who also have a daughter, Jenni Mitchell, are delighted the funds raised are being used to help other families who use the centre in the grounds of Ninewells Hospital.

Neill said: “Ross, who was a chartered accountant with the State Street Bank in Edinburgh, used to go to the centre quite a lot and he raved about the place.

“He said they were so good, they gave him massages, cups of tea, he was very impressed with the facilities they offered and found it very calming. The lads realised this and said they would start collecting for Maggie’s.”

As well as donating funds to Maggie’s, four years ago Ross’s friends purchased a memorial bench which is situated at Carnoustie Golf Club.

Their ongoing efforts have also been recognised by Maggie’s. In a letter to Blair, Rebecca Stott of Maggie’s Dundee revealed last year’s event raised £2,461.

She said: “Your annual golf day donations and the hugely successful music extravaganza in 2008 have amassed a truly amazing sum totalling £35,007.61.”

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Ross’s father Neill at the bench dedicated to his son outside the shop at Carnoustie golf links.