Celtic star inspires Pat in fight against cancer
Jenness Mitchell • Published 2 Feb 2012 08:00
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Pat McLennan is helping to raise funds for the charity set up by John Hartson.
TWO major fundraising events have been organised for a Tullibody man battling a brain tumour.
Pat McLennan was diagnosed with the illness in November last year and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment five days a week at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.
Having taken time off as a regional sales director with Bunzl Lockhart Catering Equipment, the 62-year-old needed a project to keep his mind focused.
Through Pat's love of golf he has arranged a massive charity match due to take place at Braehead Golf Club in April.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Pat said, "I've already got 35 teams committed and I'm hoping that local clubs will enter their own teams of four.
"The Braehead committee have been really supportive and we've got some great prizes."
Pat has set a fundraising target of £5000 with all proceeds going to The John Hartson Foundation. He chose the charity after he received a call from the former Celtic striker.
Pat said, "At the beginning I didn't want to go online - for every good story there was two bad.
"I knew what John Hartson had gone through as it was high profile. I saw him on the TV and thought he was looking good and fit. I looked at his website and left a message and then he phoned me the very next day. It was the day before I got my operation and it lifted my spirits."
The former Welsh international striker shared his astonishing story to help boost Pat's positive attitude.
Pat said, "John set up the foundation to promote awareness of testicular cancer and to raise funds to provide more support throughout the UK.
"I decided to join the campaign and raise as much money for the foundation as I can."
As well as smaller fundraisers, such as his daughters' (Hazel and Gina) sponsored run across the Forth bridge and social night, Pat's next door neighbour Tony Hall and friend George Duncan have planned the enormous feat of conquering the 'Scottish 4000'.
The two men will climb nine mountains over 4000ft in just three days, starting at Fort William and finishing at the Cairngorms in Aviemore.
Pat said, "This is a mammoth task and I think it's absolutely fantastic."
Tony, who has always wanted to do the challenge, has been out every weekend training, and recently climbed four Munros in one day in preparation.
Tony said, "It's not going to be easy. We're going to be using head torches to walk at midnight if we're to make it in three days. As long as the weather stays clear we should be fine.
"Although the money is going to the John Hartson Foundation, at the end of the day it's all for Pat."
Tony and George's Scottish 4000 Challenge will take place from 7-9 April.
Pat's charity golf day is on Friday 27 April at Braehead Golf Club.
If you wish to enter a team, email pat.mclennan49@gmail.com. To donate, go to www.charitygiving.co.uk/patmclennan.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 01 Feb 12
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