Having opened its doors in 2025 as Scotland’s first permanent, community-based support and wellbeing centre for those impacted by breast cancer, The House of Hope recently welcomed a number of Scotland Women players to learn about the nuances of what they do.
As well as delivering a breast cancer awareness clinic to the squad at Oriam, the charity played host to players Chloe Rollie, Evie Wills, Elliann Clarke and Alex Stewart to offer a peek behind the scenes at their Edinburgh headquarters.
As we enter Breast Cancer Awareness Month, House of Hope want to make it clear to women of all ages that checking your breasts for anything unusual is to be championed, in order that issues can be addressed at the earliest opportunity.
Breast cancer will affect 1 in 7 women in Scotland in their lifetime and by supporting the clinical work that exists, through emotional, practical and social support, House of Hope’s mission is to ensure that care is offered to anyone who might need it as they navigate their way through a breast cancer diagnosis.
Rosie Small, Breast Cancer Nurse Specialist at The House of Hope said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to run a breast health awareness session with Scottish Rugby, as part of our Hope in Your Hands campaign to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourage people to ‘check your breasts’.
“Many young women lack confidence, or actually avoid examining their breasts, due to fear of what they might find, so it was good to chat with the team and talk about benign breast conditions as well as breast cancer and answer their questions around breast health.
“I hope it has given them the confidence to regularly examine themselves and empower them to seek medical advice if they notice any changes in their breasts.”
The House of Hope provides wellbeing classes, workshops, support groups, drop-in sessions and holistic therapies such as oncology massage and aromatherapy. It offers a safe haven for those impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis with a relaxing living room, bustling kitchen, bespoke yoga and pilates studio, hair and wig salon, counselling room, kids zone and bra fitting/styling lounge.
Scotland Women centre Evie Wills said: “It is just astounding. When we got a tour, there were rooms upon rooms and they’ve just thought of everything; you can really see why so many people come here.
“As athletes, we think we know our bodies well, but with these workshops we are checking things we’ve probably never checked before. We know what a tweaked hamstring looks like but we don’t necessarily know what a mass looks like in our breast, or any changes in our breasts.
“I just think everyone should support everyone, no matter what they’re going through.”
Scotland full-back Chloe Rollie added: “Being aware of the House of Hope charity is really important. It gives us a chance to use it if we ever have to, or if we know someone who is going through a life-changing experience like this, that we can point them in the right direction to find the support they need.”
Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs throughout October and if you would like to hear more about the work that House of Hope does, or wish to speak to them at any point, you can do so here.
So sorry to learn of the death of Scottish rugby star Scott Hastings yesterday. Scott was 61, and passed away on his beloved late wife Jenny’s birthday.
Among those paying tribute to a special man was First Minister John Swinney, who said: ‘I am terribly saddened to hear the news that Scott Hastings has died.
“One of Scotland’s finest rugby players, Scott was an example to all of outstanding sportsmanship. I always felt such joy when I met him at Murrayfield.
“My deepest sympathy to his family.”
Scottish Rugby has published a moving tribute to a fine man:
Scott Hastings won 65 caps for Scotland over 11 years (a record at that time), represented the British & Irish Lions on 12 occasions on two tours and played 13 games for the Barbarians. A proud Watsonian, he also wore the Edinburgh jersey with such distinction.
He remains the most-capped Scotland male centre of all-time.
But those stellar stats tell far from the whole story.
Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scotland and Lions head coach said: “My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.
“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning.
“He was very much your right-hand man, given what he did on the field. I still remember the Grand Slam game against England in 1990. There was his Lions team-mate from the previous year, Jerry Guscott, in the England team, but Scott gave nothing away to him whatsoever.
“Whatever jersey Scott wore, he just made it better.”
Current Scotland Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, said: “In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Scott was an iconic figure for Scottish rugby.
“His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day’s success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey.
“Like many other schoolboys throughout Scotland at the time, I wanted to emulate Scott’s approach to the game and how he took the game to the opposition.
“A few years later, I was fortunate to play alongside him on a number of occasions for Scotland, as he became our most-capped player.
“His influence on his team-mates was still very strong towards the end of his career as he helped us come very close to winning another Grand Slam game against England at Murrayfield in 1996.
“Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator.
“His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”
Another of Scott’s former international team-mates, Kenny Logan, worked closely with Scott when the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was established, following Doddie Weir’s diagnosis with motor neurone disease.
Kenny said: “Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible. I worked with him while he was chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Scott’s role wasn’t just about generating PR. He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit.”
Scott was first capped against France in 1986 and his last was away to England in 1997. He toured with the Lions in the series-winning trip to Australia in 1989 and again to New Zealand in 1993, playing in two Tests against the Wallabies.
As Ian McGeechan noted, Scott was fiercely competitive and his attitude meant he was very much at home when the game became professional in 1995.
Yet Scott’s passion for the game and zest for life meant that fun was never far from the surface.
First meeting Scott as a young reporter on the Edinburgh Evening News, he was a joy to work with. Blessed with scalding acceleration and pulverising in the tackle – and that was evident from his days in school rugby at George Watson’s College, where he benefited from the tutelage of another Scotland cap, the late Donald Scott – Scott loved a bit of good-natured mischief.
Whether it was inadvertently launching a tomato which caught an SRU sponsor flush on the coupon at an international post-match dinner, or having to amend some 2,000 printed T-shirts with a marker pen to A S Haley, after a committee man took umbrage at the positioning of a “mystery buftie”, A S Hole, alongside his name. Scott could sail close to the wind, but, it was never malicious.
Born in Edinburgh on 4 December 1964, Scott progressed from school rugby via Watsonians and Newcastle Northern and made his debut for the Edinburgh District team against North & Midlands on November 1985.
A couple of months later, alongside brother Gavin, he had his Scotland debut in a win against France and followed it that February with a try in a record-breaking win against England.
In all, Scott scored ten tries for Scotland in those 65 caps – against England and Romania in 1986; France in 1987; Ireland in 1988 and 1991; Japan and Zimbabwe at the 1991 Rugby World Cup; Tonga and New Zealand in the 1995 RWC; and Wales in 1997.
Scott was inducted to the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame last October and his unwavering love for the game in his acceptance speech left the audience utterly spellbound.
He loved the seven-a-side game, and he was incredibly proud of capturing a coveted Melrose Sevens winners medal with Watsonians in 1996.
After beginning work in marketing and PR in rugby’s amateur days, it was no surprise that Scott became a broadcaster – a stint that started alongside the legendary Bill McLaren during the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 1987. Scott was equally adept as expert summariser or main commentator.
The sheer undiluted joy in his voice as Scotland won their first title on the HSBC 7s circuit at Twickenham some ten years ago this weekend, will live long in the memory, as will his descriptions of subsequent Calcutta Cup triumphs in the XV-a-side game.
Scott was so generous in his support of multiple charities, many alongside his late wife, Jenny, who died in 2024.
The role they played together during the Covid pandemic of providing both a physical and mental well-being boost to their neighbours in the Warriston area of Edinburgh through daily gentle outdoor exercise was the perfect fillip in difficult times.
Scott had previously fought off non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, but it returned, though typical of the man, he always sought to maintain a positive outlook.
In a statement this afternoon, his son, Corey, and daughter, Kerry-Anne, said: “We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May.This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.
“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.
“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected.
“More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”
Scottish Rugby extends its heartfelt sympathies to Corey, Kerry-Anne, and Scott’s wider family, led by brothers Graeme, Gavin and Ewan and all his many friends.
The flag will fly at half-mast at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in tribute to one of Scotland’s finest sons.
We will share details of the funeral service once these are finalised.
A spokesperson for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said: “We are so sad to hear the news about Scott Hastings.
“Scott was our first chair at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and an incredible man, who was passionate about everything he did. He supported a huge number of important causes, and always did so with boundless energy and a smile.”
World Rugby said: World Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Scotland great Scott Hastings.
One of the defining players of his generation, Hastings represented Scotland across 65 test matches and played a pivotal role in the nation’s historic 1990 Grand Slam triumph.
A British & Irish Lion and an iconic figure in the game, he was respected throughout world rugby for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment on the field. Following his playing career, Hastings remained a valued voice within the sport, continuing to contribute to rugby through broadcasting and advocacy with the same authenticity and love for the game that defined his career.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, former teammates and the entire Scottish rugby community at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Scott Hastings.
Rugby legend and ambassador Chris Paterson has officially launched the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
The former Scotland player visited Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Edinburgh for a tour of the historic premises and to find out about Poppyscotland’s vital work with the Armed Forces community.
Now a specialist coach and TV commentator, Chris remains Scotland’s international rugby points record holder (809) and gained 109 caps for his country. He is a long-term supporter of Poppyscotland, wearing his poppy with pride during Remembrance.
He also hosts Scottish Rugby’s annual Remembrance memorial at Murrayfield and was honoured to be asked to help launch the 2025 Scottish Poppy Appeal.
Chris said: “Life in the Armed Forces comes with unique challenges during and after service, and Poppyscotland is there every step of the way – helping our Armed Forces community and their families whenever and wherever they need support.
“Your donation helps make a life-changing difference, whether the issue is housing, health, finances, or making the transition to civilian life. Your poppy shows you care – that’s why I’m wearing my poppy from now right throughout Remembrance, and I’m asking you to please do the same.”
Richard Todd, National Poppy Appeal Manager – Scotland, said: “A huge thank you to Scottish rugby legend Chris Paterson for supporting this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal.
“By making a donation and wearing a poppy, you help deliver real, lasting support to veterans, those still serving, and their families.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than two million poppies already being distributed around the country.
All funds raised will help Poppyscotland continue to provide life-changing support and advice. People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
Players swap the pitch for paddleboards, high ropes, and coastal challenges in East Lothian
THE Scottish Women’s Rugby team recently took a break from the training pitch to connect, recharge, and challenge themselves in a different way – by spending a full day immersed in the Scottish outdoors at Foxlake Adventures and Ocean Vertical in East Lothian.
The squad – made up of 32 players and 17 support staff – took part in a range of outdoor adventure activities designed to boost confidence, build resilience, and strengthen team bonds ahead of a busy competitive season.
Ellen Dickson, Team Manager, and former Scotland International, said: “We wanted to give the players a chance to reset and have fun away from the pressures of training, and Ocean Vertical and Foxlake were perfect for this.
“The team had a brilliant time on the water, and are looking forward to visiting again in future.”
The day kicked off at Foxlake Adventures, where players threw themselves into the inflatable Aqua Park, diving, balancing, and cheering each other on across the over-water obstacle course.
Next, the team travelled to Ocean Vertical, an outdoor adventure company based in East Lothian offering guided outdoor experiences, where the Scottish Women’s team enjoyed a relaxed, fireside lunch provided by FieldFireFork, before breaking into smaller groups for an afternoon of exhilarating coastal activities – including coasteering, stand-up paddleboarding along the East Lothian coastline, and electric mountain biking through nearby trails.
“It was a real pleasure to organise this away day for the Scotland Women’s team,” said Mollie Hughes, Director at Ocean Vertical.
“It was the perfect blend of fun, challenge, and downtime ahead of what will be an intense and exciting summer for the squad.”
To round off the day, the team returned to Foxlake where some players tackled the high ropes of the iconic FoxFall, while others unwound in the HotFox Sauna before braving a refreshing ice-cold plunge.
“It was fantastic to welcome the Scottish Women’s Rugby team to Foxlake,” said James Barbour, Director of Wild Shore.
“Our experiences are all about pushing limits in a fun and supportive environment – and watching the team enjoying this experience together, away from their ‘day job’, captured that spirit perfectly.”
The day offered not only a physical challenge, but also a valuable opportunity for Scotland’s top female athletes to reconnect, relax, and prepare together.
For more information on activities, bookings, and events, visit:
A team of nurses from NHS Lothian has been praised for the exceptional care and support provided to Scottish Rugby international, Emma Wassell, during her health challenges earlier this season.
In recognition of the high-class care Emma received, five nurses from the cardiothoracic ward at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were invited to deliver the match ball at Scotland’s victorious Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday.
Speaking of their experience, Eilidh Wynne, Senior Charge Nurse said: “It was such an honour for us to be asked to present the match ball – we got a big cheer from the crowd and felt like superstars. We were pitch side for the national anthem and the atmosphere was absolutely amazing. It really was such a special moment and it’s one we’ll remember forever.
“The whole team in ward 102 works incredibly hard and this is a reminder that we should all feel immensely proud of the work we’re doing day in day out.
“It’s always nice to see patients getting back to their norm and it was fantastic to see Emma looking so well – that’s really what makes the job worthwhile.”
The team presented the match ball and were treated to hospitality at the event at Hive Stadium Edinburgh, which drew over 6000 spectators (the second largest crowd in the team’s history).
Emma Wassell, who is on the road to recovery after emergency surgery to remove a chest tumour, said:“It was really special to have some of the nurses that looked after me at our last home game of the Guinness Six Nations. A real full circle moment where they could get recognised for what they do when they are a big part of the reason that I can get back to what I do.
“I have nothing but gratitude for the care I received by all NHS staff while going through some personally tough circumstances – they really are there for you morning, noon and night. Whether it’s providing your medication, taking your blood samples, bringing you a coffee or simply allowing a constant stream of rugby players in to sit by my bedside!
“They made my time in hospital a whole lot easier and I am so glad we could give them some recognition, in what turned out to be a very special game!
“I have spoken a lot about my rugby family and one of the first nurses to introduce themselves to me was Kirsty Stewart – who was none other than one of my teammates, Alex’s mum.
“This was a huge level of comfort for me, and even though rugby wasn’t my main priority when I was in hospital, it was so nice to have someone that could truly understand how I was feeling around missing it.”
To celebrate its proud partnership with Scottish Rugby, Scottish Gas is providing several pubs across Edinburgh and its surrounding areas with half price electricity, during the Guinness Men’s Six Nations tournament.
Scottish Gas will be rewarding seven of its business customer pubs including The Old Chain Pier in Newhaven and The Magnum on Albany Street in the city centre, with half-price electricity between 12pm and 6pm during Scotland’s three home fixtures at Murrayfield Stadium on:
Saturday 1st February: Scotland vs Italy
Sunday 9th February: Scotland vs Ireland
Saturday 8th March: Scotland vs Wales
The offer is part of Scottish Gas’ long term commitment to helping the rugby community in Scotland to cut energy bills and reduce its carbon footprint.
Over 130 rugby clubs across the country are poised to benefit from the partnership through a £2million Club & Community Net Zero Fund to help give clubs a lift with energy bills and reduce energy consumption by over 50 per cent.
Scottish Gas will also be offering rugby fans the chance of winning tickets to the Scotland vs Wales game on Saturday 8th March.
Matt Wood, director at Scottish Gas Business Energy, said: “We are committed to supporting our business customers, especially pubs and those in the hospitality industry, to better manage their energy consumption and identify ways to save money on their bills.
“As the Six Nations fever takes a hold of fans across the country, what better way to celebrate the sport by providing half-price electricity as they cheer for Scotland throughout the Six Nations.”
The pubs have been specially selected by Scottish Gas due to their proximity to the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium and ability to provide the energy supplier with real-time insights about their energy consumption.
The Scottish Rugby coach chatted with Rav Ravutia about the upcoming Scotland V Fiji match at Murrayfield to be played today – Saturday, November 2 with a 5.40pm KO
Scotland international rugby coach Gregor Townsend enjoyed some friendly rivalry as he chatted with a Fijian veteran, whilst launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2024.
The rugby legend was visiting Lady’s Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh when he was introduced to staff member, Fijian national Rav Ravutia, ahead of his side’s Nations Series opener against Fiji on November 2.
Aswell as discussing the upcoming match, Gregor was interested to hear about Rav’s story and how he came to serve in Scotland and later work for Poppyscotland.
Rav, 51, was first introduced to Scotland after visiting the capital with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band who were invited to perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1998.
Upon returning to his homeland, the following year Rav resigned from the Fijian Army after eight and a half years service and flew to Scotland to sign up for the British Army.
Serving from 1999 to 2023, Rav was a member of the Royal Scots and later the Adjutant General Corps.
After leaving the Army he was a member of the Royal Scots Regimental Association Fijian branch in Edinburgh but found himself unemployed and with a forces disability was unsure where to turn.
With the help of fellow veteran friends, Rav was introduced to Poppyscotland.
Rav said: “Last year I was introduced to the work of Poppyscotland and very quickly was made extremely welcome. That is when I began my new career here as a veteran poppy and wreath maker.
“It is an absolute honour to work for this charity and goes to show just one of the many ways they can help veterans following service.”
Rav continued: “It was great to meet Scotland international coach Mr Townsend as he launched the Poppy Appeal and in particular ahead of Scotland playing my national team Fiji next month. We spoke about my time in the army and of course had some good chat about the rugby. In fact, I asked him to please go soft on Fiji!”
Gregor said: “It was a real privilege to meet the veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory upon launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal, and great to meet Rav and share some friendly rivalry ahead of our Nations opener with Fiji.
“Every year Poppyscotland supports hundreds of veterans and their families, helping them live life fully after service.
“Show them you care, wear a poppy. Your donation can change lives for our Armed Forces community.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country.
The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.
Scottish football joins Scottish Rugby in backing Police Scotland’s That Guy sexual crime prevention campaign
The That Guy Scotland campaign is highlighting the positive role sport can play in encouraging men to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.
SPFL and Scottish Rugby are helping men join the conversation and be part of the solution:
Football fans will see the campaign featuring at the Viaplay Cup semi-finals at Hampden this weekend, when Hibs take on Aberdeen, and Hearts face Rangers.
The Scottish Professional Football League is backing the campaign for the first time, joining long-time supporters like Scottish Rugby.
This latest phase of the award-winning That Guy campaign focuses on the positive role sport can play in influencing men’s attitudes and encouraging them to speak out against behaviours that can lead to sexual offending.
Social media influencers will share advice on how men can get off the sidelines and safely challenge inappropriate banter and behaviour that makes women feel unsafe.
Assistant Chief Constable Bex Smith, Police Scotland said: “Not all men are a threat to women, but all men have the opportunity to help tackle the attitudes and actions that make women feel unsafe in everyday life.
“Banter and other behaviours that are abusive or derogatory towards women can seem harmless in the changing room or on a night out with friends, but these behaviours are rooted in male entitlement, and if left untackled, could lead to offending.
“It’s up to men to take action, step in, have a word with a friend and stop sexual offending before it starts.”
Calum Beattie, chief operating officer for the SPFL, said: “Football’s position as Scotland’s national sport enables it to play a uniquely positive and influential role in society.
“A number of SPFL clubs have previously participated in ‘That Guy’ and we’re proud to lend our further support to this award-winning and important campaign.
“We look forward to helping tens of thousands of supporters to learn more about its important message during the Viaplay Cup semifinals.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Rugby said: “We’ve been proud to work with Police Scotland and host workshops for our men’s and women’s players at international, pro-team and Academy levels, where we have explored the importance of their sexual crime prevention campaign.
“We’re determined to share the drive for male allyship, whether through big screen and match programme messaging at Scotland international matches, or, our next step, through taking the campaign directly out to clubs, so that it can be shared across communities.”
This stage of Police Scotland’s That Guy campaign launched on Monday, 30 October 2023 and will run throughout November.
New content will be published on www.that-guy.co.uk and social media channels:
Celebrating a new partnership between two of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and events, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performers “try” to impress the Scotland Rugby squad with their skills at the iconic Murrayfield stadium.
This summer the Tattoo Performers will swap Edinburgh Castle for Murrayfield; pipers will provide the rugby players with a very warm Scottish welcome ahead of each of the summer international rugby matches, as well as performing for crowds in the popular Fan Zone areas.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Scottish Rugby are also offering a week-long on-air and online competition with Heart Radio, including tickets to see the International France v Scotland Rugby match on Saturday 5 August, transport from Murrayfield to Edinburgh Castle and the Spirit of Scotland hospitality package including premium seating to enjoy the Tattoo.
For further information on how to win the ultimate day out, please visit:
Staged at the world-renowned Edinburgh Castle, this year’s Tattoo performance, entitled Stories, will run from 4-26 August 2023.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone on 0131 225 1188. There are also still some tickets remaining for the half price Preview Night on 3 August.
Scotland will face Italy, France and Georgia this July and August in The Famous Grouse Nations Series.
A volunteer on-call firefighter and former rugby player has vowed to keep Doddie Weir’s fundraising legacy alive to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Rob Wainwright is a farmer on the Island on Coll who helps to protect his local community in his role supporting the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. He’s also a former Scottish rugby captain, British and Irish Lion, and teammate of rugby legend Doddie Weir.
Three years ago, Rob founded Doddie Aid. To date, the mass participation event has raised around £2m for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with the Foundation itself ploughing around £8m into MND research in the last five years.
Rob and Doddie remained close after their days on the field finished. Sadly, Doddie passed away last month following a battle with MND.
Rob said: “We are going through a period of sadness, but Doddie would not want us moping about. He would want us getting on with it – fundraising and trying to find a cure – and that’s what we will do.”
Rob said: “It’s a huge legacy and it’s for nothing if it doesn’t continue. It falls upon us that are left to carry the flame for Doddie and carry on his determination to find breakthroughs in the science and treatment of MND. Doddie may be gone but he is still leading us and driving us onwards.”
The last time Rob saw Doddie was when Doddie made a flying visit to the Island of Coll around two months ago.
Rob said: “When you play rugby with someone you are bound together by being part of a team. Doddie was a country man, a bit like myself and we shared the same kind of humour. We just hit it off.
“He came up for a visit and it was great to see him. We had lunch at The Coll Hotel and went on a distillery tour at Ardnamurchan. He needed things like that to look forward to. That was the last time I saw him.”
When Doddie passed away tributes poured in from all around the world and Rob wasn’t surprised by the amount of love felt for Doddie.
Rob said: “He was an extremely warm character, wonderfully friendly, with the perfect blend of humour and compassion. He was just a really good people person, with a really attractive personality that people loved, and he was very giving of his time.
“There was a lot that happened behind the scenes. Doddie was introduced to people who had just been diagnosed with MND. He was able to give them guidance and he in turn got guidance from other people.”
Rob has been putting plans in place for Doddie Aid. The mass participation event starts on January 1, 2023, and anyone can sign up and set their own challenge and fundraising goals.
Doddie Aid also includes a cycling event where hundreds of cyclists will leave from Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium on Thursday February 9, to arrive at Murrayfield in Edinburgh for the Scotland v Wales Six Nations match on Saturday February 11. The 555 mile cycle will be a continuous ride throughout the 48 hours.
And next year’s event is set to be even more emotional.
Rob said: “Everything will be a lot more poignant. It’s emotional anyway – when you get tired and you’ve been at it for a day and half, you’re running out of energy, haven’t eaten properly or slept and then the amazing welcomes at some of the rugby clubs.
“This year there’s even more determination, to make it even bigger and channel that love for Doddie now that he has gone.
“I’ve set myself a target of having 50,000 people signed up to Doddie Aid and to raise £2m for MND research.”
As well as organising Doddie Aid, Rob helps to keep his local Coll community safe as a volunteer on call firefighter – a role he’s held for nearly 20 years.
His colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have rallied to submit a cycling team for Doddie Aid. Rob’s fellow volunteer on call firefighters from the island’s fire station will be joining a 13-strong team from the SFRS East and West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute area.
Rob will be cycling as part of a British and Irish Rugby Lions Team.
He said: “I’m wishing luck to the SFRS team. I know they’ve been in training. Winter cycling in February might sound like a stupid thing to do but it’s overcoming these challenges working as a team – it will be a very uplifting experience.”
Area Commander Joe McKay is SFRS Local Senior Officer for East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute. He said: “We’ve seen first-hand the huge amount of effort it takes to organise Doddie Aid and we’re delighted to support Rob’s determination and importantly to support Doddie’s mission to raise money to help find a cure for MND.”
Jill Douglas, CEO, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly appreciative of all that the SFRS do, and to have them joining the Doddie Cup 555 ride is great!
“The ride is a gruelling challenge, but made easier knowing that each push of a pedal and mile covered takes us closer towards finding a cure to motor neuron disease.”
And that’s Rob’s goal – to keep fundraising to try to help others.
He said: “This is a call to arms. Please get involved, download the app, sign up, encourage people to join and spread the word.
“We have come a long way, but the journey needs to be pushed on. Doddie was defined not by what he did in his glory days on the rugby field, but by how he coped with his ultimate challenge, how he attacked it and the momentum he created to find solutions for MND.
“There’s lots of people out there with MND. Many of them don’t have the platform that Doddie had but he had that platform, and he used it. He had an amazing energy and determination to find a solution to this disease and to help others. He’ll keep pushing us on even though he isn’t here.
“We’ll keep funding research and hopefully there will be a breakthrough that will really make a difference for sufferers of MND. It’s what Doddie would have wanted.”
A service celebrating the life of rugby legend Doddie Weir is due to be held in the Scottish Borders today.
The former Scotland international died last month at the age of 52, six years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
The event takes place at Melrose Parish Church at 13:00 with anyone attending encouraged to wear tartan – a request made by Doddie Weir himself.
