Former Scotland captain and British and Irish Lion rugby player, Rob Wainwright, is cycling from Twickenham Stadium, London, to BT Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, from Feburary 6 to 8 to raise funds for two charities.
The Wounded Lions 500, which includes international rugby players and endurance cyclists, will pedal for 48 hours, arriving in time to deliver the match ball for kick-off at Scotland v England match at 4.45 pm on 8 February.
Other rugby names joining the challenge include John Hall (England), Paddy Johns, (Ireland) and Wasps legend Paul Volley along with John Barclay (Scotland).
The aim is to raise over £100,000 for two charities and the effort is also being supported by Neubria, creators of a range of plant-based supplements.
Crerar Hotels, a luxury hotel chain based in Scotland, and Fosroc, provider of high-quality construction solutions, are among the other sponsors.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, founded by former Scotland International and Lion, Doddie Weir, was set up three years ago following the ex-players Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis to fund research for a cure to the devastating disease.
40tude was selected by Tom Smith, a former 61-cap Scottish International and two-time Lions tourist who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer. 40tude helps to fund pioneering research projects, targeted at the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer.
Rob Wainwright said: “I’m hugely honoured to have played for Scotland and the Lions alongside Doddie and Tom.
“Both are top men and both have tragically hit hard times with their health recently. Whilst we cannot heal them, we can point our bikes north for 48 hours
“We aim to beat last year’s £65k fundraising total and help improve both the treatment and the prognosis for MND and colon cancer.”
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