INTREPID golfers in Musselburgh braved the cold and played barefoot to raise funds to help children with cancer.

The Musselburgh Golf Club members were only too willing to kick off their golf shoes and rise to the challenge set by CCLASP (Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Advice and Support for Parents) – a charity which provides practical and emotional support to families affected by childhood cancer.

The weather was kind, as the mercury reached four degrees on the day of the event, and all involved in completing the six-hole loop had a “memorable time for a wonderful cause”.

Fundraising for charities has been particularly challenging this year and this idea captured the imagination of the club captain Stuart Wright.

His “infectious enthusiasm” to support the cause led to a “tremendous” club effort, involving the head professional, club champion, junior champion, lady captain and many club members.

Mr Wright said that many participants seemed to exhibit a “much smoother and more measured swing” while playing barefoot and was rumoured to be considering “banning shoes from the course forthwith in the members’ best interests” – an idea which would have to be ratified by the board!

The amount raised on the day remains a secret at present, since other golf clubs are in the fundraising race.

The club raising the most money will win a day with Ryder Cup’s Stephen Gallacher and everyone sponsoring a shoeless golfer is in a draw to win a fourball at Gleneagles.

Valerie Simpson, CEO of CCLASP, was “overwhelmed that so many people are rising to the barefoot golf challenge and helping to raise much-needed funds”.

She has, for more than 25 years, worked for children suffering from cancer.

She and her team have delivered more than 40,000 items to affected families during lockdown and have been supporting families in various ways.

With Christmas fast approaching, Valerie and her ‘elves’ are busy wrapping Christmas presents for children, ready for delivery by Amazon, which has volunteered to deliver the surprise sacks all over Scotland.

The CCLASP Barefoot Challenge will close next Friday (December 18), so there is still time to get involved. Full details are available from gordon@cclasp.org.uk

Text donations to the charity’s campaign can be made by texting 70085 – CCLASP5 for £5, CCLASP10 for £10, etc.