IT WAS a different kind of touchdown celebration for a rugby team when they crossed the finish line at the Edinburgh Half Marathon after running in support of their coach, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Preston Lodge RFC’s senior players showed true dedication when they ran 13.1 miles for their team coach Mark Steedman to raise money for the Walk With Scott Foundation (WWSF).
Read more: Preston Lodge rally round coach Mark Steedman after cancer diagnosis
The 47-year-old was diagnosed with high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma in April and has started a six-month block of chemotherapy treatment.
The team, who call their coach ‘Steedy’, have hailed him as “one of the most successful” rugby coaches they have had.
Read more: Ross High RFC stalwart John Tinlin given shock cancer diagnosis
Finlay Hughes, on behalf of Preston Lodge RFC, told the Courier: “We can’t thank all the people who donated and all the boys who ran enough.
“When we came up with the idea, we had thought we would get five or six boys doing it and thought if we could raise £2,000 it would be amazing, but to have raised over £6,000 and have 20 players from different age groups taking part speaks volumes of how much Mark contributes to the club at all levels.
“At Preston Lodge, we pride ourselves on being a community club and I think this just proves the good work people behind the scenes are doing.”
Mr Steedman was on hand to welcome the boys to the Preston Lodge clubhouse following the race, even pulling on an apron to cook up a treat for the runners with a well-deserved barbecue.
He said: “To coach this incredible group of lads has always been a pleasure.
“However, their commitment to myself and our beloved badge has been truly humbling.
“I am so very proud of each and every one of our lads.
“Our fundraising efforts for Walk With Scott are now nothing short of phenomenal.
“Scott Glynn taught us that giving back is good for the soul so it is apt that we give back to his dream.”
Blair Stewart, of the Walk With Scott Foundation, said: “WWSF is highly appreciative of the efforts of all the Preston Lodge players running the half marathon and raising funds for our foundation.
“Their community spirit in rallying round Mark Steedman at this time embodies what WWSF stands for.
“The funds raised will go a long way to changing lives and improving outcomes in our home county of East Lothian.”
Mr Stewart added: “Our founder Scott Glynn was a good friend of Mark Steedman.
“Much like Mark and his family, Scott was well known and carried a great community presence, particularly in Tranent and Prestonpans.
“Mark and his family have been great friends to WWSF over the years, making donations and supporting our events.
“Everyone here at the foundation wishes Mark a speedy recovery to full health.”
Meanwhile, Mr Steedman was on hand to honour and award the best of his team at the annual captain’s supper last month.
Awards were as follows: player of the year, Jack Gordon; top try scorer, Finlay Hughes; young player of the year, Scott Clark; seconds player of the year, Morgan Foulner and Ryan Clark; most improved player, Jack Pollard; coaches’ player of the year, Chris Dixon.
To donate to the Preston Lodge fundraiser for WWSF, visit the GoFundMe page at bit.ly/3n2VzFC
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here