Two charities are set to benefit from a tee-rific day of golf after ‘fore’ friends recently completed 72 holes and raised over £4,000 for The Archie Foundation and Clan Cancer Support.
The golfing group took around 1,600 swings and clocked up more than 175,000 steps as they sank 288 putts to support the charities.
The challenge, which saw the golfers take on courses at Brechin, Edzell, Auchenblae and Stonehaven, took 15 hours to complete.
Derek Anderson got into the swing of things with friends Scott Beedie, Ryan Crabb and Stuart Robertson.
The new father completed the challenge to raise funds for The Archie Foundation after his son Murray was born 12 weeks early, weighing only 2lbs and 8oz.
Baby Murray spent nine weeks in the neonatal unit at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital where he received respiratory support, head scans, chest X-rays and also needed a feeding tube.
Derek Anderson, Scott Beedie, Ryan Crabb and Stuart Robertson
Derek said: “When my son Murray was born at 28 weeks he needed extra help. He spent the first weeks of his life in the neonatal unit in Aberdeen. He was in an incubator for much of this time and my wife Ffion and I had to wait until he was 10 days old to be able to hold him for the first time.
“You can imagine that as a new parent, this was a terrifying time. I can’t speak highly enough of the care and support we all received, from the nurses and doctors, and from The Archie Foundation.”
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, said: “The Archie Foundation relies on fundraisers like this group of golfers, and we never fail to be amazed by the myriad of ways people find to support The Archie Foundation. The funds raised by Derek and his friends will help us to continue supporting babies, children and families with financial and emotional support when they need us most.”
Scott was the driving force behind the gargantuan game of golf.
Derek explained: “Scott suggested taking on the challenge because he wanted to raise money for Clan in recognition of the support a close family friend received. The idea resonated with me because of Murray’s start in life. It was an easy decision to decide to raise funds for both charities.”
Clan Cancer Support provides emotional and physical support to people affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, with a purpose-built support and wellbeing centre close to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
To donate to the golf fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/72-hole-charity-golf-challenge