A fundraising foundation launched in memory of a Lanarkshire schoolgirl is teeing up to surpass the £100,000 barrier at its annual golf tournament.
And one lucky player could drive off with a new Renault Clio if they hit a hole-in-one on the day at the event in Wishaw.
Around 130 golfers will take part in the Funky Natz Foundation annual golf tournament which raises money for Epilepsy Scotland in memory of 11-year-old Natalie Hughes who died suddenly in March 2011.
The foundation was set up by her mum and dad Eileen and Eddie following the unexplained death of the East Kilbride youngster.
Natalie’s uncle, Iain Cairns from Wishaw, forms part of the committee and helps organise the golf tournament each year, although this year will be the first one for a couple of years because of COVID.
“We cancelled it about a week before lockdown [2020] because we realised what was coming and thought, ‘we’ll do it next year’," Iain told us.
"But that was just the same, so this will be our 10th event in 12 years.”
Iain works in the motor trade for Toyota and thanks to his contacts there’s an opportunity for one of the golfers on the day to win a brand new Clio, supplied by Park’s Motor Group who are the main sponsor of the event.
The prize of a car has been on offer for a number of years now but, up until now, no one has managed it.
Iain said: “We’ve had a car on offer for a hole-in-one at the last five events. Someone was very close about five years ago, it was going in and running towards the hole but ended up about a foot-and-a-half away.
“We also have a golf holiday in Portugal for two to be won.
“This year we will surpass the £100,000 mark and will probably make it to about £110,000 but we won’t know until the day as we have a raffle on as well.
"We have prizes such as four hospitality tickets to see Man United, hospitality at Celtic, loads of golf prizes and a £150 voucher for Miller and Carter, and things like that.
“Those taking part will get their breakfast rolls in the morning, 18 holes of gold and a carvery meal in the afternoon when they come off the course.”
Natalie’s twin sister Emma will be among those lending a hand to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“Families who lose a child often wonder what they would have looked like when they got older but Natalie and Emma were identical,” Iain added. “Emma comes every year and helps out on the day.
The committee want to thank Cooper Brothers in Newmains, KPP Accountants, Natgem, Halls Coaches, Watson Towers as well a host of other companies and individuals who help to make the day such a huge success.
The players will compete for the Funky Natz Foundation Charity Trophy on Sunday, May 29 at Wishaw Golf Club.
More information on the foundation is available on its Facebook page.
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