Help Ross Walk campaign tops £34,000

May 4 2011 by Lynda Nicol, East Kilbride News

LAST week was an absolutely fantastic one for the Help Ross Walk campaign with a wide range of events bringing the fund to an amazing £34,179.67.

With just over two months to go until two-year-old Murray toddler Ross Duff undergoes life-changing surgery at the St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri, the fund is now well on its way to reaching the £40,000 minimum required.

This week Ross’s mum, Pamela, told the News she and husband Fraser could not believe how much had been raised in such a few short weeks. She added that the family are “overwhelmed” by the support.

Among the latest fundraisers was a golf tournament on Sunday organised by two former colleague’s of Ross’s dad Fraser – Jack Boyce, from Brancumhall, and Bobby Thomson, from Strathaven.

It took place at Torrance House Golf Couse and was a tremendous success, raising a fantastic £1219 for the fund.

Jack, who is now European business development manager at printing company Thomson Litho on Kelvin Industrial Estate, explained: “When Bobby and I heard of all the events being held throughout East Kilbride to try and raise £40,000 for little Ross, we decided to try and do our bit to help.

“As we had both worked beside Fraser in a small printing company in EK, we contacted other former workmates and those who could were delighted to offer their assistance.

“As Bobby and I are both keen golfers we thought that it would be ideal to have a golf day.

“The generosity of people was amazing, and some of the world's biggest names in golf, including former Open Champion Paul Lawrie and our own local hero, Marc Warren European, PGA Tour winner donated prizes.

“We were extremely fortunate that, on the day itself, we were blessed with lovely sunshine which made for a truly memorable day.

“Along with extending my thanks to the 40 gent and lady golfers who participated, I would like to thank Cathkin Braes and Torrance House Golf Clubs, South Lanarkshire Council and all those who donated prizes for their support, which helped us achieve the sum of £1219.

“Bobby and I were delighted to have contributed in what is a really worthy cause which will in just a couple of months help Ross on his way to a life changing operation in the USA.”

Pamela said they could not thank Bobby and Jack enough for all their help.

Pamela, Fraser and friends were back bag packing at the Kingsgate Retail Park at the weekend raising a total of £1481 – £709 on Saturday and £772 and they express a big thank-you to the store and all the staff who really helped.

On Saturday little Ross joined dozens of other people at a toddler walk round the James Hamilton Heritage Park Loch organised by Kirktonholme Nursery. Again they would like to thank all the staff at the nursery and friends and family who took part.

On Sunday they received a donation of £165 from Andy Murray, who explained at he and his neighbours at Blackbraes Avenue had held a street party on the day of the Royal Wedding and took a collection. Again the Duffs would like to thank everyone involved.

This weekend is another busy one for fundraisers

This Friday a race night takes place at Rutherglen Glencairn Social Club from 7.30pm. This is being organised by Barry Green and Ryan Beattie, workmates of Fraser’s at SCA..

His workmates are also organising a football tournament at Clyde Football Stadium on Sunday.

Another race night is taking place on Saturday in the Pollock Hall in Condorrat, organised by Audrey McCracken and Liz Aitken, who both work with Ross’s grandad.

And some friends and family members are running in a 10k in Glasgow on Sunday, including Ross’s auntie, Laura Hughes, Linzi McGee, Sammy Brady, Laura Chapman and Lisa Morrison.

Again Pamela said they would like to thank everyone for their support.