A LOCAL golf club is dedicating their annual charity day to the memory of a young Lisburn Road boy who lost his life in a tragic car accident. The Lady Captain’s Charity Day at Balmoral Golf Club will be raising funds for the New Life Councilling organisation, in honour of Emmie Delaney.

Since the five-year-old’s death last year in an accident outside his home, his family have been helped by staff from the bereavement charity, and in honour of Emmie’s memory, and to repay New Life, family members have been engaging in an incredible fundraising campaign, which included partaking in the Belfast Marathon.

So far the Delaneys have raised an amazing £25,000 and thanks to the generosity of the Balmoral lady golfers, that total is set to rise further.

The move is even more poignant as young Emmie had taken golf lessons at Balmoral, while his mum Paula is a former amateur international golfer for Ireland.

Lady Captain Maura McClure recently approached the family to tell them about the Charity Day support, and a thrilled Paula explained: “It’s a lovely gesture for Maura to dedicate the charity day to Emmie, and it’s particularly fitting given his love of golf and our local golfers – his favourite of which he would affectionately call ‘Rory McIl-Rory’.

“I’m delighted that the main beneficiary of the fundraiser will be New Life Counselling, who have been instrumental in helping all our family begin to come to terms with losing Emmie. The money raised will allow them to help even more people with invaluable counselling sessions.

“It’s just absolutely fantastic that there is so much love for Emmie and support for New Life Counselling and I am delighted to be helping to organise what we hope will be an excellent day and night.”

Karen Collins, Chief Executive of New Life Counselling, added: “As a charity, we rely heavily on donations to be able to provide counselling services free-of-charge to those who need them. The money raised will go a long way in helping us to help others. Paula’s commitment to fundraising for us has been exceptional, and we wish her all the best for the Golf Day later this month.”

The Charity Day takes place on August 16 is open to everyone, and an evening dinner will also feature a charity raffle. For further details, contact 02890 667747.