£5k raised in memory of hairdresser Jim

Jul 4 2012 by Lynn Jolly, Paisley Daily Express

CARING golfers have shown some real drive by swinging into action to raise thousands of pounds in memory of popular Paisley hairdresser Jim McMenemy.

Jim, who owned the Kaoss salon in Gauze Street, died in November last year from cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle.

He was a keen golfer and enjoyed playing at Paisley Golf Club, where he was a member.

Such was Jim’s popularity that a commemorative golf day held there attracted 30 players.

And the golfers managed to raise £3,000 in honour of Jim, who was brought up in Gallowhill and aged just 55 when he died.

That cash has now been donated to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland.

His widow Alison and some of their friends launched a fund in his memory, kick-starting it by running the Glasgow Ladies’ 10k event, which coined in £2,000.

Now, thanks to the successful golf day, the fund stands at £5,000.

Jim’s pal Ian Gibson, who organised the golf day, said: “Jim is hugely missed by all who knew him.

“As a gesture of how we felt, myself and a number of his other friends decided to organise the charity golf day in his memory.

“Alison asked that all the money raised go to BHF Scotland, which we think is really appropriate, given that Paisley is a designated Heart Town and is raising awareness of heart disease.

“The event was very well attended, with more than 30 golfers taking part in the competition. They were joined in the evening by many more friends and family.

“Donations were received from near and far and sponsorship of each golf hole alone raised more than £2,000.

“A raffle and auction – the prizes and items for which were generously donated by family, friends and local businesses – raised a further £1,000.

“The golf club was also very supportive in providing us with facilities, catering and a function room at lower than normal rates.”

Carole Nicol, fundraising volunteer manager at BHF Scotland, has thanked Jim’s friends and family for their efforts.

She added: “Our work to help save lives in Scotland – including the Heart Town of Paisley – is only possible thanks to donations and fundraising such as this.”