Lesley Moffat's 30 Courses in 30 Days Charity Golf Challenge
February 22, 2012

	Lesley Moffat and Eve

Single mum and hitherto fair-weather golfer Lesley Moffat will be taking on the massive 30 Courses in 30 Days Golf Challenge in Fife starting on Mother's Day - Sunday, March 18 - in support of Down's Syndrome Scotland. She is looking for partners to sponsor and/or play with her - a true golfer's delight, especially when you see that her schedule includes many of the finest courses in Fife - the Home of Golf.

Lesley's four year old daughter Eve will play with Lesley on the first day at Balgove Course (St Andrews) to support her mum on Mother's Day, and she will also be accompanied by an adult with Down's Syndrome who has just learned how to play golf.

With the Challenge, Lesley hopes to raise £3,000 for the charity that has provided her with information and support since Eve was born with Down's Syndrome four years ago. With your help, we hope to make it a lot more than that!

Down's Syndrome Scotland is celebrating its 30th anniversary of providing information, support and services to people with Down's syndrome, their families, carers and professionals. The charity works to help people with Down's syndrome reach their full potential. The Family Support Service provides home visits to families; training to teachers, coaches and carers; and support and information via telephone, e-mail and social media. Their new Down's Syndrome Sports initiative provides sports opportunities to children and adults with Down's syndrome.

	Eve with her grandfather

Golf is in Lesley's blood. Her great-grandfather was a blacksmith and 'cleek' maker at Forgans (the oldest golf club makers in the world) and later at Tom Stewarts. Her father is a member of St Andrews Golf Club and her uncle was a greenkeeper on The Old Course, while Lesley was one of the first lady starters employed in St Andrews in 2000.

Speaking of her motivation for taking up the massive challenge, Lesley said: "I first received support and information on Down's syndrome from Down's Syndrome Scotland when Eve was born four years ago and I've been a member of the charity ever since. I'm raising money for Down's Syndrome Scotland so that the charity can continue to provide support for families like mine. As a single parent, I will need more support from Down's Syndrome Scotland's Family Support Service as Eve grows up regarding choosing schools and even power of attorney, guardianship and independent living."

Lesley hopes that golfers around the country will support her by joining her in a fourball for one or more days of her challenge, or by organising an event, or playing at their own Club on a day during her challenge, perhaps during Down's Syndrome Awareness Week (19-25 March).

She asks that golfers get sponsored, for example for each eagle or birdie that they make, or donate a sum themselves for each bogey. Up to you to decide if that's net or gross... as long it earns money for this most deserving cause!

You can also help Lesley reach and surpass her target by texting GOLF30 £5 (or a sum up to £10) to 70070.

Lesley is tweeting about her challenge before, during and after the event, and you can follow her @Golf30in30. Currently Lesley is undergoing a rigorous fitness programme to prepare herself for this gruelling physical challenge, working out in a gym which - she suggests - has one of the finest views in the world...

For more information on Lesley's challenge visit Down's Syndrome Scotland's website at www.dsscotland.org.uk/golf. To get involved in fundraising or to enquire about playing with Lesley at one of her 30 chosen courses, please call Heather on 0131 313 4225 or e-mail golf@dsscotland.org.uk to register!