By Garry Howe
The Clough Family Group Charity Night has raised more than $70,000 in the past two years to be distributed locally and on a broader scale to fight pancreatic cancer, which claimed the life of well-known businessman Bruce Clough six years ago.
For the past two years his wife Sue, their sons, partners and a lot of friends and colleagues have gathered at Racing.com Park at Tynong for the charity fundraiser.
The first raised $33,000 and at last count the second, held last Thursday night 4 April, made a tick over $38,000.
The proceeds will be divided between the Casey Cardinia Foundation to disperse to worthwhile projects and causes locally and Pancare, which cares for those suffering from pancreatic cancer and contributes to research and awareness.
Bruce Clough lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2013.
Eldest son Paul Clough told those at the fundraiser on Thursday that his father didn’t get to see the racecourse finished, but would have loved to facility.
“He wasn’t a punter, but this is a place that brings people together and he would love that,” he said.
Paul said he would also have loved the idea of money raised going to the Casey Cardinia Foundation.
“Being locals, it’s important that you give back to the local community and the Foundation helps do that.”
Foundation chairman Paul Thomas gave examples of the way that happens and used the most recent example of the Bushfire Relief Fund, where the CCF was able to provide a conduit between those wanting to help financially and those impacted by the Bunyip State Park blaze.
“The Cloughs are a great local family and it’s great that they have seen fit to support the Foundation in this way – and of course contribute to Pancare as well, which is very close to all their hearts.”
There was a popular win in the Bruce Clough Memorial Handicap.
The Cindy Alderson-trained Mistress Molly is owned by an all-female syndicate.
Accepting the trophy, Ms Alderson reflected on the loss to pancreatic cancer of well-known racing identities John Francis and Phil Sly.
Auctioneer Evan Broadbent also added another later, John McNair, trainer of top sprinter Hay List.
Evan and wife Sian bought a painting Little Jersey by local artist Aidan Weichard of a cow inspired by the plight of animals in the recent Bunyip State Park bushfires.
Both Paul Clough and Paul Thomas thanked Tamara Clough for her work in organising the event.
