FRIENDS and former teammates of rugby legend Doddie Weir gathered in Melrose on Friday to begin the ‘Lions Trek for Doddie’ fundraiser.

Around 60 people met at the Greenyards ahead of a 33-mile walk to Murrayfield Stadium to deliver the match ball for the Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup fixture between the British and Irish Lions and Japan.

And they have already raised £157,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Many of Doddie’s friends and teammates were determined to take part including former Lions Simon Shaw and Rob Wainwright, who both played alongside him in the 1997 tour of South Africa, as well as Andy Nichol, John Barclay, Kenny Logan, Jason White and Stuart Grimes.

They were joined by Jason Fox, a former SAS soldier and star of ITV’s show Who Dares Wins.

The inspirational ‘Mad Giraffe’ turned up to see them off and received a tremendous reception before the group were bussed to Peebles from where they walked to the home of Scottish Rugby via West Linton, Carlops, Balenro and finally along the Water of Leith, arriving at around 8pm.

And who was there to meet them?

The great man himself who earned 61 caps for Scotland during his successful rugby career and was part of the victorious Lions team that toured South Africa in 1997.

Doddie, who has Motor Neurone Disease (MND), set up his foundation to help others with the illness.

“Being part of the Lions in 1997 was one of the great highlights of my rugby career. I am delighted to see this continue with The British & Irish Lions Trust charity partnership with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation,” he said.

“The support and amazing generosity shown to me and the Foundation by the rugby community over the last three and half years has been incredible.

“It has allowed us to invest in vital and targeted MND research and help a great many people who are living with this devastating disease, to enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible. With your support, we will help make a difference to the lives of those coping and battling with this awful disease.”

The event had aimed to raise £100,000 but has surpassed that amount. Donations close on August 7.