Father of Moray 'lifesaver' veteran still honouring son 10 years after Afghanistan death
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THIS year’s Mark Duffus Memorial Golf event will mark 10 years since the event’s namesake – a Forres dad, veteran and “some character” – was killed in Afghanistan, after he saved two lives.
Organised by Mark’s father, fellow Queen’s Own Highlander and recent BEM winner Albert Duffus, the annual fundraisers at Forres Golf Club have brought in nearly £70,000 for great causes.
According to Albert, Mark was “some character like, and he enjoyed life”.
Shortly before being shot and fatally wounded, Albert said, his son saved the lives of the two clients he was duty-bound to protect.
“They were blown up, and the top of the building collapsed on top of them,” Albert said.
“He dug them out of the rubble, got them to a safe area. He saved their lives.
“One guy came and spoke to me – he said he wouldn’t be here today if it hadn’t been for Mark.”
Albert started Mark’s Memorial Golf a year after his tragic loss in 2013.
In honour of the military link he and Mark shared, money raised has mainly supported service charities Poppyscotland and Erskine, though other causes and charities have also benefited.
This year’s July 7 event, still run by Albert with wife Sheena’s support, will feature around 80 golfers, with groups coming from as far afield as Newcastle, and also includes a raffle, auction and prize-giving.
However, in a first for the event, local artist and Albert’s golf partner Walter McKay has donated a painting for the charity auction, with more of his work on display and for sale at the event with a percentage supporting the golf club.
Walter said he started painting as a “lockdown hobby that went a bit mad”.
A Memorial Golf mainstay, he had been working on a new Impressionist painting when he noticed it looked like “a poppy, blowing in the wind”, which became the painting’s title.
And Albert’s incredible dedication to Poppyscotland inspired him to put his painting under the hammer, for those in need.
“Walter is auctioning off his painting, and it’s really good of him like,” Albert said.
“That’s Walter for you – he’s such a nice guy.
“Putting his picture up to raise money.
“I’ll give the boy 10 out of 10 for that.”
