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Biggar battling adversity to raise money for NHS

Biggar
Former Scotland captain Mike Biggar is overcoming adversity to raise money for the NHS by walking 100 steps in a month.

Former Scotland captain Mike Biggar is overcoming adversity to raise money for the NHS by walking 100 steps in a month.

The 70-year-old, who gained 24 caps for his country between 1975 and 1980 but was in a near-fatal car crash in 1992, is battling his limited mobility after being inspired by the efforts of Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old veteran who raised more than £27m by walking lengths of his garden.

Biggar was nearly killed in a serious accident 12 years after his retirement, and suffered severe brain damage while also being forced to learn how to walk again after spending five weeks on life support.

The four-time Scotland captain, who featured 22 times in Championship action, has also suffered further falls and arthritis which has led to a deterioration of his health and left him in a wheelchair for the past ten years.

But after seeing Captain Tom’s headline-making exploits, Biggar decided to follow in his footsteps and take up a challenge himself to raise money for the NHS.

He began his challenge at the weekend and has already raised more than £18,000 after doubling his initial target of £10,000 to £20,000.

“It will be rather hard for you all to keep up with me,” he joked.

“Captain Tom is absolutely humbling. To see what other people can do… don’t be a spectator – go and do it.”

Biggar’s wife, Ali, added: “He’s never lost his sense of humour… but it’s very, very hard to watch him struggling with every step.

“Walking just three or four steps a day is a huge effort for him, so we’re so proud of him in trying to accomplish this.”

Ali also labelled her husband’s efforts as ‘just amazing’, while also explaining he was admitted to hospital just one month ago with a severe kidney infection that left him with ‘massive muscle loss’.

Biggar is now back home and recovering, however, using his characteristic grit and determination to raise funds for NHS Charities Together, a collective representing, supporting and championing the work of the NHS’ official charities.

It gives £1million a day to the NHS, providing vital funds to help the health service do more and enhance patient experience and care.

You can donate to Biggar’s heroic initiative here.