Monty in new drive for Aberdeen cancer centre

Bringing a "much required" cancer support centre to the north-east of Scotland would be like winning a major championship, golfer Colin Montgomerie has claimed.

The 2010 Ryder Cup captain is the driving-force behind a 3 million fund-raising effort for a Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre in Aberdeen.

Launched last June, Monty's Maggie's Appeal is run by Maggie's and the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation, a charity set up in memory of the golfer's mother, who died of lung cancer in 1991.

Montgomerie kicked off a fresh appeal for funds yesterday by visiting a car dealership which has given its backing to the campaign.

The John Clark Motor Group, which has businesses across the east of Scotland, will hold a string of activities aimed at raising thousands of pounds for the cause.

Montgomerie said the city was the only one remaining in Scotland without a Maggie's Centre. He said: "There are 12 people diagnosed with cancer every day in Aberdeen alone. These people are given seven minutes with their doctors to consult and say: 'What do I do next'? Maggie's Centres are there for practical and emotional support, not just for the patients, but also for the families as well."