10-in-a-row, McGarvey, Murray and more

The 10-in-a-Row CQN Charity Golf Day at Aberdour was a great success yesterday.  The irrepressible Frank McGarvey spoke about his formative years in Easterhouse and beyond, with special mentions of his legendary first and last games for Celtic.

Len Murray returned six years after his previous appearance, and spoke with humour and authority, but most of all with a burning support for Celtic.

The event raised money for The Cookie Jar Foundation, founded in memory of 19-year-old Christopher Coutts, who died of Hodkin’s Lymphoma last year and for the work of Glasgow the Caring City.

Christopher Coutts’ father, David, demonstrated a vein finder.  A vein finder is the size of a torch and has a light which shines on the arm and allows veins to be seen.

When Christopher was seriously ill medics often had trouble finding a vein for an injection, attempts were traumatic and distressing.  Twice he left hospital without treatment because veins couldn’t be found.  On a visit to a private hospital a doctor produced this torch-like device and identified a hydrated vein with ease, allowing treatment to take place.

The money we raise is going to buy these devices for NHS hospitals, where they are not provided for.  They will not save or cure anyone, but they will make the treatment of acutely ill people less distressing and, on some occasions, possible.

You can help by bidding for this magnificent canvass, signed by Billy McNeill, one of only two made.  You can also help by buying a raffle ticket for the other one.  The ebay auction is available here.  You enter the raffle by donating at least £1 here.  Get involved, you’ll be pleased you did.

On the long drive home from Fife I heard Neymar had left the field writhing in agony after going down clutching his back, just as he did, while feigning, at Celtic Park last season.  Forgive me for being cynical.  Around 1am news came through of his broken vertebra, acquired from a dangerous foul.  Let’s hope he makes a full recovery.