A WEE COUNTY man handed a cheque for more than £2000 over to a leading veterans' mental healthy charity.

Chris Paterson raised an impressive amount for Combat Stress, which helps former servicemen and women in a number of ways.

He did so through a charity golf day held at Tillicoultry Golf Club and it was a such a success, he has decided to make it an annual event.

Held on Sunday, October 1, it surpassed his expectations and garnered much support, with 60 people turning out to play on the day.

Chris said: "The event was an overwhelming success. The total amount raised of £2769.77 well exceeded all expectations.

"The support received from all the sponsors, players and everyone involved behind the scenes was phenomenal.

"It gives me great satisfaction to have been involved in organising this charity event and I look forward to making it a yearly feature.

"I want to thank everyone who got involved in this worthy cause."

Chris organised the fundraiser for Combat Stress as he wanted to give something back and raise awareness of the work they do.

He sought the help of the charity when a scaffolding accident triggered his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has credited the work of the organisation.

The Tillicoultry man, who joined the army at 16, was determined to raise money for the cause through his hobby.

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.

Combat Stress provides support to veterans from every service and every conflict.

It helps with things like trauma, anxiety, depression and PTSD, on the phone, online, in the community and also via its treatment centres.

Sue Freeth, chief executive of Combat Stress, has celebrated the work Chris has done to help.

She said: "I’d like to thank Chris for organising his fundraising golf day in aid of Combat Stress, it’s an incredible achievement and has been a great success.

"It’s really important that we raise awareness and funds for the charity.

"Each year Combat Stress receives more than 2,000 referrals from former servicemen and women with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. "Without fundraisers, like Chris, we wouldn’t be able to continue to provide support to the veterans who need our help."

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