Kylie Walker and Kelsey Macdonald endorse Ladies Scottish Open charity

Scottish golfers Kylie Walker and Kelsey Macdonald visited The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow this week to announce the appointment of Beatson Cancer Charity, for a second consecutive year, as the Official Charity of the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open that takes place from 22-24 July at Dundonald Links.

Kylie Walker, Kelsey MacDonald and Beatson Chief Executive David Welch. Picture: Chris James

Beatson Cancer Charity, who rose close to £7,000 in their first year as Official Charity, is committed to raising significant funds to enhance the experience, treatment, outcomes and wellbeing of current and former cancer patients and their families across Scotland and beyond. The charity is particularly close to the Ladies Scottish Open as former head scorer Lynn Mitchell received treatment at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre during her battle with cancer.

Kylie and Kelsey, who play on The Ladies European Tour and who are both part of the Aberdeen Asset Management stable of ambassadors, were given a tour of the Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre by Chief Executive, David Welch. The Wellbeing Centre is a relaxing haven for patients and family members and a place of calm away from the hospital wards.

For Kelsey the visit brought back memories of a much loved grandfather, who spent 18 months being cared for by The Beatson Cancer Charity before passing.

Kelsey said, “I know first-hand just what great work the team at Beatson Cancer Charity do so I’m really pleased that they have been announced as the Official Charity of the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open for a second year.”

“My granny loved supporting the event last year and bought several plants from the Beatson Cancer Charity stand to show her support and love for the charity,” finished Kelsey.

Along with charity stall and a daily prize raffle the much-needed funds from the 2015 event were raised through generous donations from visitors over the golfing weekend, contributions towards the official events programme and an Aberdeen Asset Management ‘Birdie Pledge’ which itself raised an impressive £2,985 from birdies and eagles that the professionals made over the three day event. More of the same is to be expected this year.

Kylie, who along with Kelsey, spent time chatting to patients over a cup of tea is looking forward to contributing to the funds again this year. Kylie said, “It’s great to be able to contribute to the fundraising through the Aberdeen Asset Management Birdie Pledge and to see how the money goes towards running the fantastic wellbeing centre that we have visited today.

“Playing in my home Open is always very special and is the one event I look forward to most each year. With the Solheim Cup being played in Scotland in 2019, I hope the spotlight continues to grow on ladies golf in Scotland.”

David Welch, Chief Executive at Beatson Cancer Charity, commented: “We are so grateful to the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open for choosing Beatson Cancer Charity as its official charity for a second year running. This truly fantastic level of support is so vital in helping us to continue to provide significant funding and services to enhance the wonderful care thousands of patients receive at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and related facilities each year.

“On behalf of everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity, I’d like to give my sincere thanks to Kylie and Kelsey today and everyone involved with the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open and I wish the players and organisers a very successful tournament. All money raised will go a very long way to supporting the charity in its fight against cancer, both now and in the future.”