Trio of Parkinson’s sufferers to represent Scotland

Three golf fanatics are channelling their love for the game in a bid to raise money for Parkinson’s sufferers.

Parkinson’s disease is one that affects the brain, causing problems such as shaking and stiffness, making it difficult to walk and carry out everyday tasks.

That’s what makes the feat of a trio of Scottish golfers so mightily impressive.

Earlier this month, Jarlath Busby, Andy McAulay and Alex Carruthers, all of them suffering from Parkinson’s, banded together in a bid to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK and Sport Parkinson’s.

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Playing golf has been known to help people with Parkinson’s manage their symptoms and can improve mobility and balance. 

Sport Parkinson’s invest in, raise funds for, and provide a range of services to the Parkinson’s community to enable and encourage more people with Parkinson’s to play sport, improve mental well-being and be physically active.

The three keen golfers, all in their 50s, played an incredible 72 holes of golf over two days at Thornton Golf Club in Fife to raise money for the two charities which lie close to their hearts.

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The mammoth challenge, which saw them walk a total of 16 miles, raised over £5,500 for the chosen charities.

Now, with their fundraising event deemed a success, the three golfers can turn their attention to October, where they’ll be representing Scotland in the Sport Parkinson’s Home Nations Golf Tournament.

The event is set to take place at The Belfry in England from October 11-14 later this year.

Jarlath, Andy and Alex will be joined by one VIP player and will face off against fellow golfers with Parkisnon’s from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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“We wanted to support Sport Parkinson’s fundraising, so we decided to do the 72-hole challenge to help them and Parkinson’s UK,” explained Andy McAulay. “We’re looking to raise as much as possible. Our initial target of £1000 was exceeded within a few days and we’re now well over £5,000.

“I am very much looking forward to representing Scotland and to playing the famous Brabazon course at the Belfry in October. Golf is a great form of exercise for people affected by Parkinson’s and it plays a huge part in me maintaining my physical and mental wellbeing.”

If you would like to donate to the honourable cause of Jarlath, Andy and Alex, you can do so by visiting their JustGiving page here.