![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_Graeme-Hugh-Grant.jpg\")
Graeme said the encounter gave him a “massive lift” in his challenge.(Image: Story Shop)<\/p>\nGraeme Smeaton played 25 rounds of golf across five days to fundraise for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.<\/p>\n
11:04, 26 Jun 2025Updated 11:11, 26 Jun 2025<\/p>\n
Graeme said the encounter gave him a “massive lift” in his challenge.(Image: Story Shop)<\/p>\n
A Scot who took on a five-day golf marathon to fundraise for motor neurone disease research was stunned when Hollywood<\/a> superstar Hugh Grant turned up in the middle of his challenge.<\/p>\n Graeme Smeaton, from Edinburgh, played 25 rounds<\/a> across six courses in East Lothian between June 2 and 6. He has raised over \u00a311,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, set up in memory of the late Scotland rugby international Doddie Weir, who died in 2022 following a battle with motor neurone disease (MND).<\/p>\n During his gruelling feat, he clocked up 125 miles on foot, hit over 2,200 shots, and did it all on just 25 hours sleep. Although he had already been joined by some high-profile<\/a> supporters along the way, he was blown away by the Love Actually actor appearing to cheer him on.<\/p>\n Golf fanatic Grant<\/a> was playing a round at the exclusive Luffness Golf Club in Aberlady when he heard about what Graeme was up to.<\/p>\n He reportedly jumped into a golf buggy and made a beeline<\/a> for Graeme\u2019s group, asking with a grin: \u201cWhich one of you is the crazy one?\u201d<\/p>\n Graeme said: \u201cIt was mad \u2013 just not what you expect to see in the middle of a round. He was so charming<\/a>, kind and encouraging \u2013 just as you\u2019d imagine. He shook my hand, posed for a photo, and wished me luck<\/a>. It gave me a massive lift and really spurred me on.\u201d<\/p>\n Graeme was also joined by former Scotland rugby internationals John Barclay, Roger Baird, and Andy Irvine, as well as friends and family of Scott Stewart, a much-loved figure in Scottish golf and a passionate MND campaigner<\/a>, who sadly died from the disease in December last year.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n He said: \u201cTo share the experience with so many people \u2013 especially Scott\u2019s friends and family \u2013 was incredibly moving. The support<\/a> I received throughout was unbelievable. The wind was brutal at times, but the camaraderie kept me going.<\/p>\n “I feel lucky to have been able to play a small part in raising money and awareness<\/a>. I know Doddie and Scott would\u2019ve got a kick out of the madness of it all.\u201d<\/p>\n Graeme had said ahead of his challenge that the East Lothian courses were where he “fell in love with golf”. Although he was raising money himself, his main goal was to increase awareness of the work the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation itself does to raise funds for MND research<\/a>.<\/p>\n During the five days, he sported trousers in the official Doddie tartan designed in memory of Weir. The trousers were created by Graeme’s own golf apparel brand Royal and Awesome, with 15% of each sale going to the charity<\/a>.<\/p>\n He could be seen wearing them as he celebrated<\/a> the end of his efforts in style with champagne at Gullane Golf Club.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_GS-with-John-Barclay.jpg\")
Graeme with former Scotland rugby captain John Barclay.(Image: Story Shop)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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Graeme toasting the end of his incredible challenge.(Image: Story Shop)<\/p>\n