Hollywood star Hugh Grant visits East Lothian and stuns golfer in 'mad' challenge
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Hollywood star Hugh Grant stunned an East Lothian golfer during a surprise encounter.
The Love Actually actor turned up in the middle of Graeme Smeaton's five-day golf marathon to fundraise for motor neurone disease research.
He played 5 rounds across six courses between June 2 and 6. He has raised over £11,000 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).
The Four Weddings And A Funeral icon was enjoying a round at the exclusive Luffness Golf Club, in Aberlady, when he heard about the challenge.
On hearing about the fundraiser earlier this month, Grant reportedly jumped into a golf buggy and made a beeline for Graeme's group, asking with a grin: 'Which one of you is the crazy one?'
Graeme said: '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.
'He shook my hand, posed for a photo, and wished me luck. It gave me a massive lift and really spurred me on.'
Graeme's challenge involved playing six of Scotland's most iconic courses in East Lothian, walking more than 100 miles on foot and playing five full rounds every day – with new golfers joining him for each stretch to keep his spirits up.
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He was also joined by a host of high-profile supporters, including former Scotland rugby internationals John Barclay, Roger Baird, and Andy Irvine, as well as friends and family of Scott Stewart
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.'
To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/graeme-smeaton-2
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