A tale of two Gregors

But while he gets ready for his journey across the Pentland Firth, preparations are underway on the Orkney mainland for him to meet “wee Gregor.”

His namesake is four-year-old Gregor Corse from Kirkwall.

Wee Gregor has a neurological condition which affects his balance and motor skills. His mum, Iona, admitted that she was unsure whether Gregor would ever be able to walk independently.

Wee Gregor has shown fierce determination not only to step out, but to complete 30 loops of his garden at home every day for 30 days, all to raise funds for a local charity, Inclusive Orkney.

Iona explained: “Inclusive Orkney helps families with children who have additional support needs and enables them to experience things that excite them, like, in Gregor’s case, rugby and football.”

Since wee Gregor began his “loops o the hoose” earlier this year, he has raised some £73,000 for Inclusive Orkney.

His willpower sparked Gregor Townsend’s attention, who sent a video message to wee Gregor, along with a signed Scotland shirt which was auctioned to boost the fundraising.

Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur, took wee Gregor and his mum along to the opening of the Scottish Parliament in June, as Orkney’s local hero, and wee Gregor was introduced to King Charles, complete with “a high five and a good wee chat!”

Next Wednesday (2 September), Gregor Townsend will join wee Gregor on his latest fund-raising initiative “wanders tae school”, which takes him from his home to Glaitness Nursery School, nearby Orkney Rugby club.

This walk is for two other Orkney charities: Clan Cancer Support and Somas Light.

Iona added: “It usually takes Gregor about one hour to walk to school, though some days he has done the journey in 50 minutes.

“My biggest concern is that Gregor probably won’t want to leave the house for nursery that morning, he’ll want to play rugby with Gregor T in the garden instead!”

Townsend said: “I’m looking forward to doing some coaching at the Orkney club next Wednesday evening and also meeting wee Gregor and joining him on his walk to nursery in the morning.

“Wee Gregor is an inspiration. He has been shortlisted for this year’s Just Giving Rising Star finalist, so I’d encourage everyone to support both his fundraising and his nomination for the award.”

You can support Gregor Corse’s fundraising here.

And you can vote for him in the Just Giving Rising Star awards here.