Scotland women's rugby star joins Doddie Weir fundraising challenge in the Borders
Last updated 4th Apr 2023
Former Gala rugby player Bruce Aitchison has completed his gruelling Breenge Tae The Borders challenge, in support of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
He cycled around 100 miles from Dundee, where he spent two years as a coach, to his hometown club, before pulling on his running shoes to complete the final leg of his journey - to Melrose, ahead of this weekend's Sevens.
The teacher was joined on the run by former Scotland star Megan Gaffney, as well as many family and friends, having set-off on day two of the challenge from Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh - where he is Housemaster.
Day one had included stops at Perthshire, where Bruce - who presents rugby podcast Happiness is Egg-Shaped - did his first official after-dinner speech; and Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby.
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When asked why he's doing the challenge, he said: "Doddie has been very good to me. To me, he was a hero, a mentor and a mate.
"I got to share a stage with him in front of amazing audiences, who ate from the palm of his enormous paws. I loved it. But I also got to share the quieter moments too, and they meant a lot. He inspired.
"MND is a horrendous thing and I want to help raise awareness for those living with it and their families. I want to raise money to find treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
"I've talked the talk for a long time, so it's been great to walk the walk, or cycle the cycle as it has been."
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It's a busy week for Bruce, who is hosting the Melrose Sevens Hall of Fame dinner at the Greenyards on Thursday night and Women in Business lunch on Friday, before taking on coaching duties with the Samurai team, with Fraser Harkness and Eck Hinnigan, on Saturday - hoping to go one better than last year when they lost to the British Army in the final.
This year's event includes a women's tournament for the first time - featuring Durham University Women’s Rugby Club, Lionesses, DeltaDrone Tuks and Hearts+Balls MB.
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When asked why she had pulled on her trainers, Megan, who recently retired from international rugby, told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's just a great cause, and what Bruce is doing is amazing. I just want to be there to support him, the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, and everything the charity is doing.
"I did have the pleasure of meeting Doddie a couple of times during my career. I always remember him presenting Melrose Sevens (on the TV) in his tartan suits.
"And it's great that this weekend they're going to have their first ever women's competition. Normally they have a show match (before the final) but to be be part of the first competition is pretty special."
Even if you couldn't make the run this evening, you can still show your support by donating here.
Are you involved in a fundraising challenge you'd like to share on the radio? Email our reporter: ally.mcgilvray@bauermedia.co.uk