6 Months ago a small local team Bo’ness Rugby Club arranged a charity event for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. A team of 22 rugby players (full team & subs) looked to climb Ben Nevis, however, no one would have been able to predict COVID and the impact it would have.
Lockdown was imposed and we could no longer complete our challenge safely. Instead of putting it off until next year, the team decided to come together and complete a virtual challenge using our Boris hour. We challenged ourselves to virtually walk around the 6 nation stadiums Murrayfield, Twickenham, Stadio Olimpico, Stade De France, Principality, and Aviva. This would cover a total of 3,474 miles and take us 4 months to complete.
* All photos courtesy of : A View From My Camera
Pedalo Challenge
Halfway through the restrictions started to lift and we managed to put on an event called Pedalo 4 Doddie. As a team, we used 6 Pedalos on the lagoon at The Helix Park Falkirk. We managed to spend the day completing 200 laps covering the English and Irish Sea which is approx 100 miles. The event attracted the attention of Scotland grand slam winners Sean Lineen & Iwan Tukalo, along with Scottish International Alex Moore. Even the voice of Edinburgh Rugby Bruce Aitchinson and local legends, Ian Wallace and Nicola Garforth all put on a life jacket and completed a lap or two. Everyone had a fantastic day along with raising an incredible £700 from the one event.
We have had immense support throughout, with videos from Doddie Weir, Scott Hastings, David SiSi, Jonny Petrie, Leo Cullen and Murray McCallum. Social Media shout outs from Pro14 clubs across Europe spurring us on and keeping us on track.
Murrayfield Walk
On the 5th of September, 7 players attended Murrayfield stadium where they embarked on a 20-mile walk from Murrayfield back home to Bo’ness Rugby Club. Before leaving they were greeted by Under 20s Scotland coach Sean Lineen who waved them off and wished them well. It was a physically and mentally challenging walk. They kept spirits high by sharing live video updates and stopping for a quick half way pint. They were greeted by friends and family arriving back at Bo’ness Rugby club after walking for just under 7 hours.
It has been an incredible experience and the club has managed to raise £3400 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. This sum will go towards supporting the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. There have been many people to thank from everyone who put in miles. The support from the local community & businesses and the rugby community has been incredible. So thank you to everyone supporting us.
However, it is not over there, we still plan on walking Ben Nevis to complete our journey. This will take place on a very special day, Doddie’s birthday, the 4th of July 2021.
Thank You
Bo’ness Rugby Club
