Family and friends vow to fight on with late dad's Motor Neurone Disease fundraising (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Event to be held at Clayton Golf Club

7:00am Tuesday 21st August 2012 in News By Claire Lomax

The son of a charity campaigner who died earlier this year is hoping to make his father’s dream of leaving a £10,000 charity legacy come true.

When Michael McGann was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in July 2011 he put all his efforts into raising awareness of the devastating and fatal condition and money to help find a cure.

MND is a progressive disease that weakens and wastes the muscles, resulting in loss of mobility, difficulties with speech, swallowing and ultimately breathing.

Mr McGann’s efforts, including a fundraising night at Clayton Golf Club, raised thousands of pounds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Unfortunately, Mr McGann, of Broom Croft, Clayton, a former organiser of Clayton Dickensian Market, died at home on May 3 before he could reach his £10,000 target.

Now his son, 35-year-old John McGann, and family friend Chris Foster have organised a charity golf day, which will be held at Clayton Golf Club on Saturday, in a bid to reach the target.

The club has provided the venue for free and the golf day will be followed by a charity night at the venue, which will include entertainment and a charity auction and raffle, for which local and national businesses have donated fantastic items.

John, who is married to Becky, and lives in Clayton, said: “Chris is a professional golfer and thought it would be nice to help raise some cash and because of his contacts we decided on a golf day.

“We want to make sure that we get to the £10,000 and secure dad’s legacy.”

Chris, of Bingley , who works as a self-employed golf coach, said; “Me and John grew up together and I knew his mum and dad well “When we found out about his illness it was a big shock and when he passed away it was even worse. I said it would be nice to do something in his memory, to reach that target, and that is what this is all about.”

About 70 golfers will complete 18-holes during the charity golf day. Entry to the charity night is £5 and all proceeds will go towards the Motor Neurone Association.

If you would like to attend contact Chris Foster on 07789 539331.