A helping hand for Mike Biggar

The Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation has donated £3,000 to support Mike Biggar.

Yesterday, we reported that Biggar, 70, the former London Scottish flanker, who was capped 24 times for Scotland between 1975 and 1980, had embarked on a fund-raising initiative for NHS charities.

Biggar sustained serious brain damage in a horrific car crash in 1992 and he is almost entirely dependent on his wheelchair for mobility.

Inspired by the efforts of the World War Two veteran, Captain Tom Moore, and wanting to show his own appreciation for the efforts of the NHS staff in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, Biggar set up a Just Giving page with the aim of raising £10,000 for NHS Charities Together.

His aim is to walk 100 steps in 30 days, using specially adapted bannisters for support in the garden of his home.

After we published details of Biggar’s selflessness yesterday, the £10,000 target was reached. He then revised the target to £20,000 and affirmed his determination to complete a sporting century like no other.

Ian Rankin, Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation chairman, said: “As a player, Mike never backed off a challenge. The same grit and determination he showed in a Scotland jersey is shining through now in truly heroic circumstances.

“He is an inspiration and alongside all the MIPF trustees I wish him the very best to complete his challenge in recognition of the amazing work being undertaken by our NHS staff and the entire care sector during the coronavirus pandemic.”

George Biggar, Mike’s son, described the Foundation’s donation as “mind-blowing and overwhelmingly kind.”

You can support Mike via his Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mike-biggar

Former Scotland captain Mike Biggar is seeking to conquer “his own Everest” this month as he plans to take 100 steps to raise funds for the NHS.

Mike has already reached 96% of his £10,000 target ?

Find out how to support the campaign here: https://t.co/I4JmqSxH5k pic.twitter.com/TqEGj9RI2I

— Scottish Rugby (at ?) (@Scotlandteam) April 21, 2020

As of this morning he has now raised just over of £18,000, which is 90% towards his new target.

The Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation was set up in Scottish Rugby’s centenary season 1972-73 and until 2015 was known as the Murrayfield Centenary Fund.

The Foundation assists injured Scottish rugby players and is financially and administratively independent of Scottish Rugby. Since its inception, it has assisted many players with short or longer-term injuries.

In addition to financial assistance, the foundation also helps with wheelchairs; computers; and adaptations to players‘/parents’ homes.

The Foundation is funded through a combination of investment income, donations from clubs, individuals and other organisations and fund-raising.

You can support the Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation here: https://www.justgiving.com/murrayfieldcentenaryfund