Memorabilia donated by US Open golf champion Graeme McDowell will be auctioned in the Mearns next month as part of a fund-raiser in memory of a Marykirk man.
Golf enthusiast Sandy Napier died last year at the age of 72 following a battle with lung cancer and now his family has decided to raise money for the unit in which he was treated.
Together with friends Gillian Innes and Katherine Coutts, his widow Molly has arranged a ceilidh in Marykirk Village Hall in aid of Friends of Anchor the charity which supports those being treated at Aberdeen and North Centre for haematology, oncology and radiography at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Thanks to Katherine’s family, who are members of the star’s home club in Northern Ireland, golf fans can bid for a limited edition, signed 18th hole flag from the Pebble Beach links course in California.
It was there that McDowell last year became the first European golfer to win the US Open in 40 years.
He has also donated a signed T-shirt from the golf club in Rathmore where his skills were honed.
Molly, who was treated at the unit following a battle with breast cancer, said she was “overwhelmed” by his generosity.
She said, “Sandy would have loved this as he was a huge fan of all sports, including golf.
“It was Gillian’s idea to have a fund-raiser and I couldn’t believe it when Katherine’s family managed to get Graeme McDowell to donate these things.”
She added, “He must do so much charity work and for him to be able to give us this is just unbelievable. Sandy would have been very impressed.”
Bidding will take place at the ceilidh on February 5.
Early offers will be accepted online by sponsors KRC International.