Golf event raises £11k in memory of Natalie
Support for epilepsy research
A popular charity competition at Wishaw Golf Club last week raised more than £ 11,000 in memory of a tragic youngster.
T h e Fu n ky Na t z Foundation Charity Trophy was contested as part of a continuing fundraising drive which parents Eddie and Eileen Hughes began, following the sudden and unexplained death of their beloved daughter, Natalie, more than six years ago.
Although not identified as the cause of the tragedy, Natalie was diagnosed as having epilepsy and her devastated family used the tragedy as a springboard to help raise awareness and much-needed funds.
The family launched the Funky Natz Foundation in 2011 and they are looking to smash through the £65,000 mark for Epilepsy Scotland.
This is the biggest total that has been raised at the annual competition.
Natalie’s uncle Iain Cairns – who is part of a group of 10 on the organising committee– said: “It was a great day. We had 128 golfers take part and everyone was in great spirits.
“We were hoping to smash our £ 10,000 target so when we realised we had raised over £11,000 we were delighted.
“We managed to sell a lot more raffles this year because of the great prizes we had up for grabs.
“We even had tickets for the Scotland game against England and hospitality at Manchester United.
“People were desperate to get their hands on them.
“This would not have been possible without the help and support of local people and businesses.”
A brand new car, courtesy of Taggarts Motor Group was up for grabs but unfortunately the prize was not claimed.
To win the car, a golfer had to hit the first hole-in-one shot ever at the event.
Wishaw man Iain added: “We’ve still not had a holein- one yet and I really thought someone would manage it this year but the prize has went unclaimed. The golfers will need to get practising for next year.
“We’re very lucky to be supported by Taggart’s again and have had great support from Park’s Motor Group and KPP Accountants in Glasgow and many others.
“The most important thing is that we continue to raise money in memory of Natalie – it was her and twin sisters Emma’s 18th birthday in March.”
We were hoping to smash our target of £10,000