Scotland Squad’S Parting Gift To New Zealand

The last members of Scotland’s Rugby World Cup party were leaving New Zealand today… but not before they presented a gift of thanks for the warmth of welcome and the hospitality they have received from the Land of the Long White Cloud. Led by stand-off Ruaridh Jackson, members of the Scotland party visited the Starship Children’s Hospital within Auckland General Hospital and donated a 50″ flat-screen TV to be enjoyed by both patients and staff.   The TV, which the squad had bought and transported with them around the country, will be sited in a medical ward for up to 30 children aged between newborn and 16, many of whom can have long hospital stays. Although based in Auckland, patients are referred to Starship from throughout New Zealand. Jackson said: “We are all still hugely disappointed to be leaving New Zealand and the feeling persists that we didn’t do ourselves justice in Rugby World Cup. “But a visit to a place like this hospital and all the marvellous care that’s going on here does bring a sense of perspective.  We have enjoyed our time in New Zealand and it’s good to be able to give something back to the communities and people who have been brilliant in the way they have supported us. Hopefully the kids here will get a lot of fun out of the TV.” Susan Aitkenhead, nursing director of children’s health at the hospital, said: “This is an absolutely fabulous donation.  When children are very unwell and in hospital for a very long time we need to provide some form of escapism and this TV will do the job very nicely.” Scotland team manager Dougie Potter said: “I would echo Ruaridh’s sentiments.  From the moment we arrived at Invercargill airport, up through Wellington and on to Auckland, we have been struck by the generous nature of New Zealand people.  This is a small token of our appreciation.” Our picture shows (from left) Scotland team doctor James Robson, Scotland stand-off Ruaridh Jackson, Susan Aitkenhead and Scotland team manager Dougie Potter. Note to editorsScotland’s party also visited Christchurch during their stay in New Zealand and presented a cheque for NZ$85,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund. The money was raised at a farewell dinner for the squad in Glasgow organised by the Hearts and Balls charity.