Kintyre golf clubs putting cancer charity to the fore
Two Kintyre golf clubs are the first in Argyll to sign up to a fundraising initiative in support of the Beatson Cancer Charity.
Machrihanish and Dunaverty Golf Clubs officially joined the Beatson Bunker scheme last week to help raise vital funds and awareness for the charity which supports those receiving cancer treatment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and other west of Scotland hospitals.
Participating golf clubs choose a bunker – or multiple bunkers – and players who land in that bunker during their round are trusted to make a donation which can be as little as £1, either in cash in an honesty box or by scanning a unique QR code, which goes straight to the Beatson Cancer Charity.
The Beatson in Glasgow has supported many Kintyre families throughout their cancer journeys, including Drumlemble man David Armour, whose wife Catherine died in November last year, aged just 57.
In a bid to thank The Beatson for the care his wife was shown during her nine-month cancer battle, David decided to carry out several fundraising events.
He has now signed up as a volunteer and is the Beatson Cancer Charity’s main fundraiser for Campbeltown and surrounding areas, and was instrumental in getting the golf clubs on board with the bunker initiative.
“I felt I had to do something to help the Beatson out as much as I can,” said David, “to pay them back for their care, which was second to none.”
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at the Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “David has rallied the community of Campbeltown and Southend to encourage support for Beatson Cancer Charity.
“Since Catherine so sadly passed away, he has offered his own personal support by signing up to be a volunteer for our charity.
“He is also taking part in this year’s Glasgow Kiltwalk, has arranged for collection cans to be placed in local shops around Campbeltown and has even organised for our Beatson Bunker fundraising initiative to be introduced in two of the local golf clubs.
“David is doing everything he can to support us in his local area, for which we are extremely grateful.”
Last Friday, David and Maisie, joined by South Kintyre councillor Donald Kelly, who is supporting David’s fundraising efforts, met with Machrihanish Golf Club captain Darren Kelly.
Darren revealed that Machrihanish will be installing two Beatson Bunkers, one on the nine-hole Pans Course and the other on the 18-hole Championship Course.
“We’re delighted to support the initiative,” said Darren. “The Beatson provides a lot of care to many people locally so Machrihanish Golf Club is only too happy to support the Beatson Cancer Charity.”
After signing up to the initiative, Dunaverty Golf Club has installed a collection box in its clubhouse.
“Any donation when entering the clubhouse would be very welcome for a fantastic charity which deserves all the support we can give to it,” said a club spokesperson.
As well as signing up for the Glasgow Kiltwalk in April, David will be out and about with collection cans during this year’s Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon and 10k Race in May and is planning to hold a bingo night in September.
“It is my intention to work with David and the Beatson staff to support all the various fundraising events being organised,” said Councillor Kelly.
“I am hoping that in the fullness of time, we can attract some major funders to the cause which will provide a steady revenue stream for the charity.”