Gavin Hastings OBE hoping to help charity plug £1.6 million funding gap

Scotland rugby legend Gavin Hastings is to become a patron of Leuchie House.

Gavin, whose wife Diane was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003, has been a supporter of the East Lothian charity, which offers caring respite breaks for people and their families living with long-term conditions, since he volunteered his services as host for the charity’s flagship fundraiser, the Ascot Gold Cup Tea, in 2014 and 2015.

Mairi O’Keefe, chief executive of Leuchie House, said: “We are delighted that Gavin has agreed to act as our patron. We have to raise over £1.6 million a year to keep Leuchie going and this task will be helped considerably by having such a high-profile sportsman as our patron.

“Gavin has visited Leuchie, chatting to guests who are here on breaks, and is very supportive of the work we do. We look after people from all over Scotland and further afield with a variety of conditions, including Parkinson’s, which of course is very close to Gavin’s heart.”

Gavin said: “It’s a great privilege to have a role with such an outstanding charity. Mairi and her team offer a lifeline to many who are struggling to cope with the demands of living with long-term conditions. Leuchie House is a welcoming, friendly environment for people who need a short break and I’m looking forward to helping them continue this vital work.”

The rugby legend will be involved in some of the charity’s upcoming fundraising events and will lend his support to various campaigns in the coming months.