Midlothian Walking Rugby group support local community with donations

26 Nov 2021

Normally at this time of the year, Midlothian Walking Rugby group would be making plans on how they will use the weekly training fees they’ve saved up for a team evening out.

But this year the group decided to put their collection towards supporting their local community by making a £500 donation to the Midlothian Foodbank.

Presenting a cheque to Janice Burns from Midlothian Foodbank, the team were also joined by Scottish Rugby President Ian Barr.

But the team’s giving spirit didn’t stop there! Midlothian Walking Rugby group also donated five new match balls to Dalkeith RFC as a token of appreciation for the use of their facilities for walking rugby activities.

From the front left: David West, Charlie Adams (Midlothian Walking Rugby group President), Ian Barr (Scottish Rugby President), Adrian Fisher (Coach), Janice Burns (Midlothian Foodbank Manager) and Vivian Wallace (Ageing Well), plus the Walking Rugby team.

Charlie Adams (Midlothian Walking Rugby group President) presents Neil Wood (Dalkeith RFC 1st Team Coach) with new match balls with members of the walking rugby team.

The group, who have been formed since 2016, is part of Midlothian Council’s ‘Ageing Well’ project, which offers activities to people aged 50 and over.

David West who is the ‘Ageing Well’ Worker for Midlothian Council and volunteer coach of the walking rugby team said: “Because of Covid we’ve not been able to use the money so we thought it would be a great idea to give to a local charity and give something back to Dalkeith.

“We have done some great things together as a team, and there are many more to come but for me this is by far the most humbling. What a great bunch of guys.”

Kieran Cooney, Scottish Rugby Regional Manager for the East said: “I’d like to extend my thanks on behalf of Scottish Rugby to Midlothian Walking Rugby group for their generous contribution Midlothian Foodbank. Their kindness will no doubt go a long way to supporting local families in their time of need.

“And it’s also lovely to see the group giving back to Dalkeith RFC with the donation of five new match balls, a kind gesture which demonstrates the strength of the club’s partnership.”