A large group of golfers in white shirts at the Gordon Cowan Memorial Golf Day

Honouring a Friend.Helping Others.Inspiring Hope.

Celebrating the life of Gordon Cowan and raising funds for Beatson Cancer Charity.

A brighter tomorrow, for so many.

Our impact so far£503,000raised so far
£600,000our goal
22 yearsof fundraising (since 2004)
Every yeargolf days, charity balls & sponsored walks
Lanarka proud community keeping Gordon's memory alive
Beatsonevery penny supports Beatson Cancer Charity

Our events

Four golfers in yellow shirts beside the Gordon Cowan Memorial Golf Day bannerGolf

Gordon Cowan Memorial Golf Day

  • Every June (last held 3 June 2025)
  • Lanark Golf Club
  • Next date to be announced

Tee up for Gordon! A day of great laughs, good competition and a whole lot of heart. Stick around for the raffle and prize-giving: there's always a surprise or two.

Find out more
The charity ball venue dressed in blue and white with lights and table centrepiecesBall

Gordon Cowan Memorial Charity Ball

  • Every August (last held 20 August 2025)
  • Lanark Auction Market
  • Next date to be announced

A night to remember, with live music, raffles and auctions, all raising vital funds for Beatson. Get ready to dance, celebrate and make a difference.

Find out more
Golfers and a buggy on a green, tree-lined courseWalk

Walk into Spring

  • 1–31 March, every year
  • Anywhere!
  • Next date to be announced

Walk 50 or 100 miles through March, finishing on Gordon's anniversary. Walk solo, with friends or as a team: every step supports Beatson.

Find out more
A family standing behind the Gordon Cowan Memorial Golf Day banner
At the memorial golf day

Gordon's story

In 1997, Gordon Cowan lost his battle with cancer at just 25 years old. His close friend, Rab Douglas, the former Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper, made a promise: Gordon would never be forgotten.

Together with the Lanark community, Rab and Gordon's friends started a memorial golf day in his honour. That simple game of golf grew into an annual fundraising movement, with charity balls, sponsored walks and community events, all supporting the life-changing work of Beatson Cancer Charity.

Since 2004, more than £503,000 has been raised in Gordon's name: proof of what love, friendship, and a small town with a big heart can achieve.

Be part of it

A promise made. A legacy remembered. A community united.

Lanark
People. Purpose. A brighter tomorrow.

Our community

Everything they do helps me get through life without him. It's lovely to know he was loved by so many people.
Jean Cowan, Gordon's mum

Be part of something special.

Together we can keep Gordon's legacy alive and help even more people.

Get in touch

Whether you'd like to sponsor, volunteer, join an event or just ask a question, send us a message and one of the team will get back to you.

Beatson Cancer Charity

We're proud to support Beatson Cancer Charity, helping fund vital treatment and research for those facing cancer. View our Letter of Authority.

Send us a message

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