Gillian’s father Peter Young was my 'dad' for 45 years and the last weeks of his life were spent at Strathcarron Hospice. He encouraged me to play golf and proposed my membership at Glenbervie Golf Club, where he latterly was honoured with Life Membership.
The care he received in Strathcarron Hospice was quite wonderful with a staff completely committed to their patients and also to their families. I have supported the work of the hospice for many years and had visited friends there in the past. This was our family's first close up experience of just how special the care provided is.
So 40 years on and with an arthritic knee I am trying to repeat my golf challenge of 1984 and play 6 rounds and 2 holes (rounds up nicely to 110) and raise some funds for Strathcarron as a tribute to dad and as a thank you to all at Fankerton.
Back in 1984 I was deputy news editor of the Sunday Mail and managed the paper’s Bone Marrow Appeal which raised huge sums to fund the creation of bone marrow transplant units for children.
The date is the first anniversary of my late father-in-law’s admission to Strathcarron Hospice.
I hope friends, relatives, fellow golfers around the world and kindred spirits everywhere will support me. 10p per hole is £11 but you can donate as much as you want. Every penny raised will go straight to Strathcarron Hospice via the link to their funding page. Remember too if you pay tax you can boost your donation through Gift Aid.
Thanks in anticipation of your support.
Archie Mackay. Update: at 04.30 on Friday 21st June, I teed off with my son Archie for my first round. Subsequent rounds with Steven Kelly, Roy Lind, club chairman Derek Gow, Simon Clegg and David Bunyan followed and at 21.10 accompanied by Gillian and some of the players and caddies I played down the first again, my 109th hole of the day. The final hole was the 14th and the first real rain of the day arrived (heaven’s tears 😢). Cheers from the clubhouse and Ciro’s team greeted the final putt and piper Kevin McLean gave a rendition of Highland Cathedral.
Thanks to everyone who helped on the day, caddies Robert Patrick, Crawford and Linda Smith, General Manager Alan Reid, Pro Stevie Rose and the teams at Glenbervie, the members who extended courtesy to allow me to play through and all who have donated. My appeal fund will remain open for donations until the end of July. Please remember if donating and a UK taxpayer you can boost the fund without cost to you by ticking the Gift Aid box.
Archie Mackay