Pitlochry GC helps leading child cancer charity
May 3, 2012

Lee Grant is calling on golfers to turn out for Pitlochry Golf Club’s CLIC Sargent Golf Day this month after the charity helped his family cope during his baby son’s cancer fight.

Last year the club’s inaugural charity golf day raised over £4000 for the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity.

And Pitlochry member Lee (37) couldn’t be more delighted to support this year’s event on May 31st after CLIC Sargent gave his family hope at the most difficult time of their lives.

Lee’s son James was only seven months old when he was diagnosed with Low grade glioma, which creates tumours in the spine and brain.

While little James was being treated at Edinburgh Sick Kids, dad Lee and mum Diane were put up in the charity’s en-suite family accommodation minutes from the ward.

Then, at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, the family was supported by the CLIC Sargent nurse, helping them to cope with the emotional highs and lows.

Thankfully James (pictured above with father, Lee) is now 6 years old, goes to school and ‘charges around like a normal boy’, aided by a spinal brace.

Dad Lee admits CLIC Sargent offered great support and hopes as many golfers as possible turn out for the golf day to help make a difference to others.

“I have entered a team for the event and I hope many others do as well because last year was a really good day,” said Lee, a self-employed builder.

“CLIC Sargent really took a lot of pressure off of us while James was undergoing chemotherapy. The CLIC Sargent nurse came to our house to regulate his condition which saved us from traveling all of the time and, when James was in Edinburgh, it was really good for us to have the use of their villa, just minutes from the hospital.

“There were others there going through the same experience and it was great to speak to them and get advice and mutual support.”

Last year’s golf day proceeds enabled the charity to provide four holidays at its accommodation on the west coast for families who had suffered the shock of recent diagnosis.

This year, teams of four can book for the 4 Ball Better Ball Stableford competition, to be held on Thursday May 31st at mid-day, for only £200 (£50 per person).

Peter Logie, CLIC Sargent’s Community Fundraiser for the Highlands and Islands and Moray said: “This will be a cracking day out and participants will know that they are helping us support families like the Grants who are suddenly given a diagnosis which turns their lives upside down.”

To book for the event simply call 01796 472792 or email pro@pitlochrygolf.co.uk

Soup and sandwiches will be served at mid-day with a shotgun start at 1.30pm.

There will be nearest the pin and longest drive competitions and a buffet dinner with a small auction and prize giving.

Pitlochry Golf Director Jon Erasmus said: “The inaugural event in 2011 was really well received and supported and we are looking forward to another excellent day in aid of a great cause.”