Friends epic golf challenge raises £11k

TWO friends from Dumfries have been overwhelmed with the support received following a mammoth charity golf challenge.

Jeff McKean and Euan McLaren have raised more than £11,000 so far, in aid of regional support group Prostate Buddies Dumfries and Galloway and Prostate Cancer UK, with a grand total still to be announced, after completing four rounds of golf on five consecutive days.

The pair teed off at 5 am at Crichton Golf Club on Monday, June 30. They raced round the course to complete four rounds before dusk. And they did the same again on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Mechanical fitter Jeff decided to do the challenge in support of his dad, also called Jeff, who is currently battling prostate cancer for the second time.

Meanwhile, Euan also signed up to show support. He is able to relate to his friend as his own dad is currently in remission following life saving stem cell treatment.

Two years ago, Jeff completed the 72 hole challenge at Southerness Golf Club along with Ryan Clark, the pair raised £5,400 for Prostate Cancer UK.

Jeff said: “Prostate Cancer UK push the challenge every year. The actual challenge is to do 36 or 72 holes in one day. I did the 72 holes in one day at Southerness two years ago.

“Myself and Euan wanted to be different this time, hence why we did it on five consecutive days.”

After raising £1200 for Prostate Cancer UK, a decision was taken to fundraise for Prostate Buddies Dumfries and Galloway, ensuring all money raised goes towards helping people in the region.

Jeff has attended the last few meetings of the group, he added: “I actually attended their meeting maybe three months ago. Originally, I was only going to do it for Prostate Cancer UK. But I wanted to keep the money local.

“Everything that goes to them (Prostate Buddies D & G) is spent in Dumfries and Galloway.” The lads spent between 11 and 13 hours on the course each day as they completed the challenge.

Jeff added: “I had actually given up golf, but I wanted to do something to take my dad’s mind off his treatment.

“Him and Euan’s dad, Ian, they are both over the moon with the response to the challenge.

“The initial plan was to raise £4,600. I raised £5,400 a few years ago and a total of £10,000 was a nice number.

“But it’s exceeded everything we could’ve thought. We’ve sold £1 raffle strips to having folk donate £1500.”

Jeff hopes he has highlighted awareness of prostate disease and prostate cancer.

He said: “Prostate Buddies D&G have a meeting on the last Wednesday of the month in the Dumfries Baptist Church Centre, Gillbrae Rd, Dumfries.

“I have attended the last three meetings and my dad will be attending the next one.”

The open meetings, which take place from 7 pm to 9 pm, allow recently diagnosed men talk to people who have been there, while they also provide support for family members of people suffering. For more information visit prostatebuddiesdandg.org.uk

Thanks are expressed to all who have supported and donated.