Golf club captain’s legacy helps stroke and neurological patients in Fife

The family of Kenny Bayne, a former captain of Glenrothes Golf Club, have donated over £8800 to the Sir George Sharp Unit at Cameron Hospital, Leven which provides a Fife-wide service for those with physical disability due to neurological disability.

Kenny, who passed away in 2024, received out-patient support from it and the neuro-rehabilitation team to pick up his clubs and return to the sport he loved.

Now, funds raised by Kenny’s family, friends and members of his club has enabled the occupational therapy service to purchase specialist rehabilitation gloves designed to help people regain hand function, improve independence and rebuild confidence in everyday life.

Using a specialised tension-assisted system, they help individuals to open and use their affected hand during everyday activities, encouraging greater participation in rehabilitation and helping to rebuild confidence and independence.

By incorporating this technology into rehabilitation services, the aim is to enhance recovery opportunities for patients, improve engagement with therapy, and support better long-term outcomes. The gloves will provide patients with additional tools to regain function, helping them progress towards greater independence and quality of life. The glove is lightweight, portable, and suitable for use across a wide range of settings, including inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and community‑based rehabilitation.

So far, five patients have already benefited from this specialist equipment, with many more expected to do so over the coming year.

Many people live with long‑term difficulties in hand function following neurological events such as a stroke, where recovery of movement can remain limited despite rehabilitation.

This loss of hand function often makes everyday personal and household tasks extremely challenging, leaving individuals dependent on family members or carers for support at home and in the community.

The loss of independence can also have a profound effect on people’s confidence, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping them rebuild independence in daily activities, including returning to work and driving.

Presenting the cheque to staff at the unit and representatives from Fife Health Charity, Ronnie explained that the family's commitment to fundraising reflects Kenny's determination throughout his rehabilitation journey and his desire to help others facing similar challenges.

During their visit, Ronnie, Bobby and their fellow supporters were given the opportunity to see some of the specialist equipment the service plans to purchase with the funds raised. The new equipment will help enhance the rehabilitation support available to patients, ensuring more people can benefit from the same high-quality care and encouragement that helped Kenny on his recovery journey.

Clare McDonald, principal occupational therapist, said: “We are so grateful to the continued support and fundraising from Kenny’s family and all of the members of the Glenrothes Golf Club and are really blown away by the money they have raised.

“It is a real testament to how highly Kenny was thought of in the local community. Kenny’s determination and positivity will now help others in Fife with their rehabilitation. This equipment will expand upper limb rehabilitation options for patients and we hope that access to this equipment will contribute to improved recovery outcomes for patients across our neuro rehabilitation settings.”

Mark McGeachie, director of Fife Health Charity, added: "I’d like to thank the family and friends of Kenny Bayne for their wonderful, ongoing fundraising in recognition of the support Kenny received by the Fife Neuro Rehabilitation Service.

“Every penny donated to Fife Health Charity benefits the patients, staff and communities supported by NHS Fife. Through the generosity of our donors and the passion of our colleagues in NHS Fife, our charity can continue to enhance the healthcare experience of people across Fife."