ONE of the country’s top golf clubs has raised over £3,000 for charity in memory of a schoolgirl who tragically passed away.
Jess Mackie, from Gullane, East Lothian, was just 14-years-old when she sadly died earlier this year.
To raise money for the memorial fund set up in her name, Gullane Golf Club used their annual invitational event on its revered links, with members from across the world playing to show their support.
The golf competition, held across two days, was followed by a meal and charity auction, with all funds raised being used to support the work of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC).
David Morgan, Secretary of Gullane Golf Club, said: “The event was played across the number one and two courses. It was terrific to see so many golfers lend their support to such worthy cause. Some of our members travelled back from as far away as the United States to play.
“In total we had 76 pairs competing who all enjoyed two wonderful days of golf before the meal and raffle.
“We had some great prizes, including goody bags kindly donated by sponsors Arnold Clark, as well as tickets to see Kevin Bridges and a game of golf for a fourball at Dundonald Links.
“The loss of Jess was felt by the whole community so it’s great to show support in this way and the money raised will go to helping the lives of so many others.”
One of Jess’ biggest passions was singing. She was part of the National Youth Choir of Scotland and also sang with her church and performed in school concerts.
The Jess Mackie Memorial Fund has enabled ECHC to fund Tinderbox to bring music and music making classes to children during their stay in hospital.
Jess’ father, Michael Mackie, said: “The funds we raise help to provide therapeutic musical treatment for youngsters in hospital. Even at 14, Jess had a real sense as to how music could help people in their times of need. So it’s really important to us to raise money for the Fund to allow Jess to keep helping others as she always had done.”
ECHC supports and complements the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children as well as other children’s healthcare settings across the southeast of Scotland and beyond.
Sue Diamond, Community Fundraising Manager at ECHC, said: “We can’t thank Gullane Golf Club enough for its generous donation to the Jess Mackie Memorial Fund.
“The Mackie family have been amazing and thanks to their support, we’ve been able to bring Jess’ passion for music to so many young people on the wards.
“It’s been amazing to see the local community rally round at events such as the Gullane Golf Club invitational and the vital money raised ensures young people in hospital can be children first and patients second.”
To make donation to the Jess Mackie Memorial visit https://teamechc.everydayhero.com/uk/jess-mackie-memorial-fund
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