FORMER Scotland rugby star Gavin Hastings has become a patron of a charity which offers caring respite breaks for people and their families with long-term conditions.
Hastings will be involved in some of North Berwick-based Leuchie House's fundraising events and will lend his support to their campaigns.
Hastings's wife Diane was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003.
He has since volunteered his services as host for the charity’s flagship fundraiser, the Ascot Gold Cup Tea this year and last which raised more than £35,000.
Hastings 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 charity's chief executive Mairi O’Keefe 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."
Based in an 18th Century country house, the house welcomes guests from Scotland and further afield who live with debilitating conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease, cerebral palsy and other long-term conditions.
It is the only facility of its kind in Scotland.
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