Hugh Grant cheers on Scots golfer during 'crazy' five-day challenge
Hollywood star Hugh Grant stunned a Scottish golfer by turning up mid-round to cheer him on during a five-day fundraiser in East Lothian.
The actor was enjoying a round at Luffness Golf Club in Aberlady in early June when he heard about Graeme Smeaton playing 25 rounds of golf in five days to raise money for motor neuron disease (MND) research.
During the marathon, Mr Smeaton clocked more than 275,000 steps, hit more than 2,200 shots, and survived on just 25 hours of sleep.
He played rounds at six of Scotland's most iconic courses across East Lothian and was joined by high-profile supporters, including former Scotland rugby internationals John Barclay, Roger Baird, and Andy Irvine. We Are Story Shop Graeme Smeaton completes ten out of 25 rounds of golf games.
After hearing about the challenge, Hugh Grant reportedly 'jumped into a golf buggy and made a beeline for Graeme's group'.
Grant arrived at the course and asked: 'Which one of you is the crazy one?'
Despite the slate of high-profile supporters already involved, Graeme said seeing the Hollywood actor was a 'massive lift'.
'It was mad – just not what you expect to see in the middle of a round. He was so charming, kind and encouraging – just as you'd imagine,' Graeme said.
'He shook my hand, posed for a photo, and wished me luck. It gave me a massive lift and really spurred me on.'
Graeme was also joined by friends and family of Scott Stewart, a Scottish golfer and a passionate MND campaigner, who died from the disease in December last year.
Graeme added: 'To share the experience with so many people – especially Scott's friends and family – was incredibly moving. The support I received throughout was unbelievable. The wind was brutal at times, but the camaraderie kept me going.'
So far, Graeme has raised more than £11,000 for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, with donations continuing to come in.
The Foundation, launched by the late Doddie Weir, funds vital research to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for MND.
He added: 'I feel lucky to have been able to play a small part in raising money and awareness. I know Doddie and Scott would've got a kick out of the madness of it all.'
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