A WEE COUNTY event raised thousands for a leading veterans’ mental health charity.

Chris Paterson organised a fundraising golf day at Tillicoultry Golf Club in aid of Combat Stress – collecting £2,500 so far with the number still growing.

The event, on Sunday, October 1, surpassed his expectations and he was overwhelmed by how it went.

There were winning spots to be secured, an outstanding raffle, along with prizes in categories such as longest drive, best dressed golfer and nearest the pins.

He said: “It was brilliant, it was absolutely fantastic, everybody was amazing.

“Even though it was raining, pretty much everybody turned up and played through the rain.”

Chris previously told the Advertiser how he sought the help of the charity when a scaffolding accident triggered his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Tillicoultry man has credited the work of the organisation and said without it, he “wouldn’t be here”.

The 42-year-old, who joined the army when he was 16, was determined to raise money for the cause through his hobby.

He said that Combat Stress offered a huge turning point and he wanted to give something back and raise awareness of the work they do.

Chris, who returned to Tilly in 2009 and spent seven years in the Argylls, is a long-time golf fan and has been playing since he was around 12.

When he started planning his event he thought it would be a small affair but he was shocked with the response he received.

Sixty golfers signed up for the day and it has proved so popular that Chris plans to make it an annual event.

Next year’s will be even bigger, meaning more people will be able to play, and he has paid tribute to all those who have helped make it a success.

He said: “A very big thanks to all the sponsors, companies and individuals that so kindly donated the amazing prizes.

“Without you and all the people that bought raffle tickets, this day would not have been possible.

“From a very proud and overwhelmed person – thank you all so much.”

Combat Stress has more than 6,000 veterans registered for support and it treats a range of conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.

To find out more about the work of Combat Stress, visit combatstress.org.uk