Golfers swing into action for charity
A charity golf day at Hamilton Golf Club raised £9550 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The event was held in memory of Hamilton teen Paul Creaney, who was supported by the national children’s hospice service charity.
Now in its sixth year, the competition had raised over £50,000 in memory of Paul.
Samantha Reilly, senior community fundraiser for CHAS, said: “Every year I am blown away by the support we receive from this event. To have reached such a huge milestone is something to be very proud of, and I am so thankful to everyone who continues to show their commitment to raising as much money as possible.
“At CHAS, we would like to thank Stewart and Michelle Henderson and the family and friends of Paul for their continued support, and especially Hamilton Golf Club who give up the course for the day, as without their support this event would not be possible. I consider myself lucky to have met and worked with such inspirational people.”
Paul was born in February 2000, and at six-weeks-old was diagnosed with alobar holoprosencephaly, meaning that the brain cannot control any functions of the body.
His parents, Denise and Matt, were told that he would not survive past six months but after spending most of his first year in hospital, Paul went on to grow into a happy, always smiling boy.
Despite the numerous operations throughout his life, everyone knew Paul by his infectious smile.
Denise, Matt and his big sister Emma were regular visitors to children’s hospice Rachel House, where they found they had a chance to relax, recharge their batteries and have fun with Paul.
Sadly, Paul, unexpectedly passed away on May 2, 2013, and Rachel House were there to help the family get through the first tough weeks, and were still there afterward with their continued support.
CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides hospice services for babies, children and young people with lifeshortening conditions. The national charity offers palliative care and respite for the whole family via its two hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, and its CHAS At Home service supports families in their own homes and has teams working in hospitals across the whole of Scotland.