CHARITY THRILLED BY MEMBERS GENEROSITY
Photo: Professor David Bell presents a £38,000 cheque to Jonathan Cordiner and Laura Stewart of the Kayleigh’s Wee Stars charity
NORTH East charity Kayleigh’s Wee Stars has been boosted by a record £38,000 donation from Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
A series of fundraising events held over the past two years teed-up cash for our Captains’ Charities to disperse.
Kaleigh’s Wee Stars was the main charity supported by past captains Professor David Bell and Wilma Murray. Wilma and the Ladies Section also donated £1500 to cancer care charity Maggie’s.
Accepting the cheque from Professor Bell, trustee Jonathan Cordiner, who set-up the charity with his wife Anna 12 years ago in memory of their daughter Kayleigh, said: “This is an incredible gesture by Royal Dornoch and hugely appreciated. It is a game changer for us.”
The Cordiners lost 20-month-old Kayleigh just months after she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, based in Oldmeldrum, provides financial support for families devastated after a child has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
“We had six months with Kaleigh before she passed away and we made every day an adventure,” explained Jonathan.
“But during that period, we learned of families in horrendous situations. Parents were off work, or self-employed with no wage coming in or they were single parents, perhaps having to cope with deprivation at the same time.
“We have forged links with hospitals in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen. Any child with a terminal illness in Scotland will be treated at one of these.
“We step in and provide a grant of between £1,000 and £2000 and no family spends it the same way.
“Some opt for a special trip; they might hire a special vehicle; others adapt their home or buy a piece of much needed equipment. Sometimes it is just about relieving financial pressure.
“We support four or five families a month and as a small family-run charity we rely heavily on our supporters. We have raised £1.4 million over the last 12 years, supporting around 800 families.
“With up to £10,000 a month supporting families, it is marvellous to receive our biggest ever single contribution.
“David had kept the total to himself so you can imagine my surprise when I saw the number on the cheque!
“We strive for sustainability and now we can start looking ahead, knowing we have a few months covered by the Royal Dornoch donation.”
Professor Bell thanked Royal Dornoch members at home and abroad for their generous support.
“The Captains’ Charities are supported by various fundraising events over their time in office,” he explained.
“I have a grandson with a serious health condition, so Kaleigh’s Wee Stars struck a chord with us.
“Each year two eagerly anticipated Captains’ weekends allow members to bring a guest onto the Championship Course and the dinner is followed by an auction conducted splendidly by our general manager, Neil Hampton.
“There is usually a waiting list. In fact, no longer being Captain, I am on this list for the spring weekend!
“Members know it is an amazing event. I have played with an Australian gold miner, a wealth manager from Texas and even one chap who was hatching a plan to mine on the moon for a mineral needed for nuclear fusion.
“We are always fortunate to attract some fabulous lots to go under the hammer, ranging from golf at top courses in Scotland, England, Spain and the USA to sporting memorabilia, limited edition prints and luxury hotel breaks.
“Our North American members are particularly generous with their backing for the auctions.
“Wilma and the Ladies Section have also been very supportive, with local members arranging five Ladies Open competitions aimed at swelling the Captains’ Charities.”
Professor Bell also highlighted backing from Elgin Golf Club head professional Ross McConnachie.
“Ross is a big friend to Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, and he took part in a Beat the Pro challenge at a Par 3 at one of our events.
“He also made a speech at the Captains’ Dinner and explained how our donations would be put to very good use.”