Top pro golfer backs Lochaber team for Macmillan Cancer Support

Top professional Nick Dougherty is backing four golfers from Lochaber as they prepare to swing into action for charity this summer, and take part in Macmillan‘s Longest Day Golf Challenge to help people living with cancer.

Local golfers Dave McEwan, David MacGillivray, Chris Ryan and Ronnie Hawkins from salmon farming company Marine Harvest will tee-off on 20th June at Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club, where they hope to raise more than £10,000 in sponsorship for the cancer care charity by playing four rounds of golf in just one day. Starting at 4.30am the boys hope to crawl onto the 72nd green sixteen hours later at around 9.00pm.

Alfred Dunhill Links 2007 Champion Nick Dougherty, who is supporting the event for the second year, said: “We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way, either personally or through friends and family. Macmillan’s Longest Day Golf Challenge is the perfect excuse to have a fun golfing day while raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Team captain Chris Ryan said: “We really wanted to take on the challenge and help Macmillan Cancer Support because we were inspired by the work the charity does in dealing with a disease that affects all of us in one way or another.

“Quite simply we wanted to raise money for this excellent cause and we’re very grateful for the support that has been given so far from our company, colleagues, friends, family and businesses to sponsor us on the day.

“We’re especially grateful to Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club and particularly Club Secretary Mike MacDonald for the strong support they have offered. We know it will be no easy feat completing four rounds of golf in one day, but we’ll be spurred on knowing every hole will be helping people living with cancer,” added Ryan.

The team from Lochaber is nearing its fundraising target. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/ooha.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

1. Photography is attached. To arrange a further photo with the team, call 07767886158 or 07801155970.

2. Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. Working alongside people affected by cancer, Macmillan works to improve cancer care. One in three of us will get cancer. 1.2 million of us are living with it. If you are affected by cancer Macmillan can help.

3. Nick Dougherty secured his second European Tour victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2007 and finished the season placed 11th on the Order of Merit. He turned professional in 2001 and gained membership of the European Tour via the 2001 Qualifying School. He had an exceptional amateur career with numerous tournament wins including the 1999 World Boys Championship and three in Nick Faldo Junior Series events. He was a member of the victorious Great Britain and Ireland 2001 Walker Cup team.

4. Other golf enthusiasts keen to put their handicap to the test for charity should call 020 7840 4614, email golf@macmillan.org.uk or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/golf to find out more.

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