SOME of Northern Ireland’s most famous faces braved the rain and teed off yesterday at Fortwilliam Golf Club for the inaugural Oscar Knox Cup.
Belfast boxing champions Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan and Antrim snooker ace Mark Allen were just some of those who took part in the golf event in aid of childhood cancer charity Solving Kids’ Cancer.
Inspired by the young boy who captured hearts during a two and a half year battle with cancer, the event has so far raised thousands of pounds in support after many celebrities auctioned off the chance to join them to complete the 18 holes.
The Oscar Knox Cup is ran by Oscar’s parents Stephen and Leona and they saw the date, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and what would have been Oscar’s eighth birthday, as a fitting time to launch the appeal.
The brave five-year-old, affectionately known as ‘Wee Oscar’, lost his fight against cancer on May 8 2014.
Eighteen holes of golf, a BBQ, a raffle and an auction announced by broadcaster Adrian Logan took place in order to raise money for Solving Kids’ Cancers research and family support services.
Oscar’s father Stephen said the response from the public and all those who took part has been overwhelming.
“There’s real buzz about the air despite the weather being so desperate,” he said.
“Most people are persevering and they’re not letting it dampen their spirits, which is great to see. The response has been phenomenal, it really has. We had Carl Frampton, Paddy Barnes, Mick Conlo, Jamie Conlan – it’s been amazing.”
