Scrum-ptious! Scotland rugby legend serves up a treat in the kitchen as famous faces team up for Doddie's Grand Tour
Last updated 6th Feb 2025
Scotland rugby legend John Jeffrey surprised riders taking part in a charity cycling challenge in memory of former teammate Doddie Weir - by dishing out hot rolls at one of the event's refuelling stations.
The Grand Slam hero - a trustee of the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation - welcomed a slew of famous faces through the doors of the Borders Events Centre in Kelso, as they made their way through the Scottish Borders last night (Wednesday).
Around 30 teams are taking part in the 700-mile cycle from Dublin to Edinburgh to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. And, between them, they've already raised more than £400,000.
After an overnight stop in Peebles, Doddie's Grand Tour moves on to Moffat this morning (Thursday), before heading north.
They hope to finish in Edinburgh on Saturday, in time to watch Scotland and Ireland meet at Murrayfield in the Six Nations the following day.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Jeffrey said: "I can't really claim to be part of it, when you see what all these guys are doing. They're coming here absolutely knackered, all I'm doing is feeding them food. It's the least we can do."
But he joked: "They're not getting any crackling, because I'm helping myself to that."
WATCH: Click on the link below to hear from former Scotland rugby captain Rory Lawson...
Former Scotland captain Rory Lawson and Deacon Blue drummer Dougie Vipond also popped in to the hog roast, as darkness and temperatures fell. They were joined by Weir's widow, Kathy, who will take part in the final leg of the tour.
The event's being led by Rob Wainwright, who toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions alongside Doddie in 1997, and has already raised more than £2.5 million for his Foundation.
When asked what keeps him going, he said: "Like Doddie, I want to see a world free of MND. His memory and everything he fought for drives us forward.
"We've met quite a few people with MND (along the way). The support we've had everywhere - it's really unusual to have cars and lorries honk cyclists in a friendly way, so it's been fantastic.
"And the effort that's gone in to helping us from all the rugby clubs and schools that we're going to in the next couple of days."
To donate to Doddie’s Grand Tour, visit here. To track the ride, visit: https://www.followmychallenge.com/live/doddie-ride-2025/
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/
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