FAMILY and friends of a Bolton police officer who died of cancer a day after his wedding have helped raise money for two charities.
Dog handler PC Garry Mathieson married his sweetheart Estelle Rodgers in January while he was seriously ill in hospital.
The pair arranged the wedding - which they had planned to hold later in the year - after PC Mathieson was told he had only days to live.
The 41-year-old father-of-two was diagnosed with stomach cancer in May last year.
But his condition worsened and became terminal when the cancer spread to his lymphatic glands.
Now Cancer Research UK and East Lancashire Hospice, where PC Mathieson was treated, have each received £450 from the proceeds of a recent golf tournament organised by colleague Sgt Russ Magnall.
About 50 people played in the memorial competition at Breightmet Golf Course.
Sgt Magnall, who worked alongside PC Mathieson as a dog handler, said: "Garrys family were very impressed with the treatment given to him, and also how they were treated, by staff at the hospice.
"They wanted to say more than thank you and we decided to hold a golf tournament in his memory to raise much-needed funds for the hospice and the fight against cancer."
The Garry Mathieson Memorial Cup was won by Ramsbottom-based PC Mike Abbott, and colleague PC Shaun Drake.
PC Mathieson had 13 years of service with Greater Manchester Police, and continued to work from his base in Prestwich while he was receiving chemotherapy treatment until last November, when he was forced to leave his job.
PC Mathieson was a keen rugby player and fitness fanatic. He played rugby for Bolton RUFC.
He was also keen rugby league fan and took his two sons, Rory, aged 11, and Ewan, aged 10, to see Wigan Warriors RLFC.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article