Brave Steve is inspiration as rugby lads set out for islands charity pedal

Jul 9 2009 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

SEVEN former players from Hamilton’s rugby club are in training to take part in a four day 195-mile cycle trip to raise cash for charity.

The trip will see David Law, Craig Thomson, Jack Ryan, Michael Christie, George Currie, Davie Graham, and John Lindsay, visit five islands on Scotland’s west coast in their bid to raise money for the Scottish Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Mini-rugby coach David was keen to raise awareness of the charity after his brother Steve, a former Hamilton Rugby Club captain, was diagnosed with primary progressive MS.

Since then he has suffered from a dramatic reduction in mobility and has had to learn to cope with a totally different life.

Despite this major setback to his health, Steve's spirits are high and his zest for life continues as strong as in his playing days with the Hamilton club.

He bravely faces the challenges that each new day brings with the amazing support of his wife Moira and two sons Euan and Fraser.

Speaking to the Advertiser this week, David said: “Back in March my nephew Euan raised funds for MS Society Scotland when he did a sponsored head shave.

“I decided then that I wanted to do something to support the charity as well.

“Since a head shave wasn't an option nowadays, I got together with friends to discuss what we could do.

“As we all played rugby with Steve we definitely wanted to do something as a team .

“It was quickly agreed that we were too old and out of condition to run any distance so we decided that a cycle run would be the answer.

“We set off on Thursday, July 23 from Otter Ferry on Loch Fyne and then travel to the islands of Jura, Islay, Arran, Great Cumbrae and Bute before cycling back to Otter Ferry.

“It will be hard going but a number of other club members are planning to join us on the Saturday for the cycle around Cumbrae so that should help us make sure we arrive on time.”

Steve joined his friends at Hamilton Rugby Club last week to watch them go through their paces and is looking forward to hearing stories of the trip when the boys get back.

He said: “I really appreciate the effort the boys are putting in to make this a success, we had some good fun back in our playing days and it looks like they intend to enjoy this adventure as well.

I just hope the pit stops aren't too long. I would also like to thank all of our other friends who have donated funds through the Just Giving web site and those that intend to join the guys en-route."

If you would like to donate to then you can contact the men through Hamilton Rugby club’s website (http://www.hamiltonrugbyclub.co.uk/linkpages/mscycleevent.htm ) or directly at http://www.justgiving.com/5islandsonbikes.