Colin Montgomerie launches ‘Monty’s Monthly Medal’ for charity

Colin Montgomerie, the 2010 Ryder Cup captain, today announced a new fundraising drive for the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation in partnership with the Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, that will see him write to every golf club in the UK, inviting them to turn one of their monthly medals between now and September into a Monty’s Monthly Medal.

With prizes that many golfers would dream of; including the chance to attend the practice session and Opening ceremony of the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor Resort in the Captain’s hospitality on 30th September, the day before the big event. In addition, Colin has pledged to visit any winning club in the country for a half day to coach the junior section. Monty’s Monthly Medal is sure to have people teeing off for to support people affected by cancer around the country.

Montgomerie said: “I established the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation to support people with cancer after my mother died of the disease. I was determined to help people in the same situation and the first time I walked into a Maggie’s Centre I immediately thought ‘what a difference this place would have made to my Mum’. This is why I am working with the organisation to build two Centres. I have spoken with many people who visit Maggie’s and they have told me about the unique mix of practical, emotional and psychological support they receive and I know what a difference that makes to people living with cancer.”

He added: “Golf has been good to me and I am delighted that I can now give something back by supporting those affected by the disease. One in three people are affected by cancer and Maggie’s can help these people and their families and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in Monty’s Monthly Medals to raise money for Maggie’s across the UK.” 

“With Monty’s Monthly Medal there is no change to the existing format of the Medals, all I ask is golf clubs consider allocating one of their monthly medals to the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation and Maggie’s. I’m delighted that Dunning Golf Club, my local club, is the first to sign up online at www.maggiescentres/monty  where you can see your club on the Monty’s Monthly Medal leaderboard.”

Sandy Jones, CEO for the Professional Golf Association, who are endorsing the project said: “The chance to watch a Ryder Cup practice session, the day before the tournament begins is a truly outstanding prize. I hope that golf clubs across the UK will take part in Monty’s Monthly Medals to assist Colin in fundraising for a cause that, I know, is very close to his heart. Together we can all make a difference to people affected by cancer.”

Laura Lee, CEO for Maggie’s, said: “The support from Colin and the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation means an incredible amount to Maggie’s. Monty’s Monthly Medal will increase awareness about Maggie’s throughout the UK and help to raise funds that will allow us to help even more people to live with, through and beyond cancer. I wish everyone all the best for their medal competitions.”

For further information about Monty’s Monthly Medals visit www.maggiescentres/monty or www.elizabethmontgomerie.org or call 0300 1231801 or email monty@maggiescentres.org.