Lawyers club together for charity

Top lawyers to play 18 holes at 18 golf courses in 12 hours to raise funds for meningitis research

News, 15 April 2005

An inaugural "Golf Around Edinburgh" fundraising event will test the ability of four top lawyers to complete 18 holes, at 18 courses, within a 12-hour time limit.

The event, in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation, will be attempted today, by the Law Society of Scotland's chief executive, Douglas Mill, past presidents of the Society, Alastair Thornton and John Elliot, and Andrew Biggart of law firm Maclay Murray & Spens.

Former Maclay Murray & Spens solicitor Olivia Giles, who contracted the disease in 1999, has championed meningitis research. She said: "The Foundation and I are delighted that the four participants have taken up the challenge and we're pretty confident that, with a bit of luck, they'll succeed. The Foundation rely heavily on fundraisers such as this and are grateful for all the support that they continue to receive."

It will be an early start for the challengers. They tee off at Craigentinny golf course at 7am and play holes all over Edinburgh, ranging from Portobello in the east, to Royal Burgess in the west.

Douglas Mill is looking forward to the day: "It has taken a lot of planning but the backing of Edinburgh's golf clubs, our sponsors, and Edinburgh Golf has made a huge difference. The Foundation's work is of great importance and everybody who has helped along the way has kept that in mind."

Meningitis Research Foundation was established in 1989 and has grown into a national charity at the forefront of fighting death and disability resulting from meningitis and septicaemia.

It is hoped that the foursome will raise over £6,000 for the Foundation.