Pub’s charity night tribute to tragic teen

Apr 9 2008 By Gary Fanning

A CHARITY night at a Hamilton pub has raised hundreds of pounds in memory of tragic teenager Nicholas Connolly.

Fifteen-year-old Nicholas, of Wellbrae Road, Fairhill, died at Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, in February.

The fourth year Hamilton Grammar School pupil had been taken there after he was found by two police officers in the Woodhead area.

Kind-hearted regulars at the Windsor Bar decided to hold a benefit night as a tribute. A magnificent £850 was raised during a sing-along fund-raiser at the bar last Tuesday night.

Nicholas’s parents John and Marion and his 28-year-old brother Jamie, went along to the charity night.

Six Lanarkshire performers gave up their time to take part in the sing-song at the pub in Castle Street. Raffles, an auction and fantastic prizes raised £640 on the night.

A further £210 was raised during a charity football match on Easter Sunday at the Jock Stein football pitches, Hillhouse Road, Hillhouse.

James Drummond, owner of the Windsor Bar, said it was a fantastic night and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“I am glad to hold the fund-raiser in memory of Nicholas,” he said.

“Nicholas’s dad John is a regular customer here and he is always the first to volunteer to help us out with any charity nights we hold.

“He was in here helping out with a charity night for the Hamilton Volunteer Group in Burnbank when he received a phone call about Nicholas.

“I am also involved in cooking meals for the Hamilton Volunteer Group every Wednesday.”

Marion added: “I am really overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. I would just like to thank everybody for their fantastic efforts.

“The raffles which were donated were superb and the singers first class. Everyone had a great night.”

About 150 people are expected to attend another fund-raising fun night for Nicholas which will be held in Low Waters Miners’ Welfare on May 20.