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Scottish rugbyA former Scotland rugby international has died just a day after completing a 1,000-mile bike ride for charity.
Ken MacAulay, 67, died on Sunday following a cardiac arrest after completing a three-week challenge in which he raised over £13,000 for four charities.
The rugby player, who earned a cap for Scotland, also played for teams such as Gala, Heriot’s and North Berwick.
The challenge saw him visit all 76 clubs and pitches where he had played during his 30-year career.
In a statement, his family said: “We are so proud of him but at the same time overwhelmed by his loss.”
“Ken’s first reaction to receiving his retrospective cap was to use it as a platform to give back. We are so impressed with everything he has achieved.”
Members of the rugby community, including some of his former clubs, have also paid tribute to him.
Scottish Rugby President Colin Rigby said: “Ken was a big man with an outgoing personality. His passion for rugby knew no bounds.”
“It was testament to the esteem in which he was held that former Scotland players and British and Irish Lions joined him at stages of this cycle, as well as friends from the wider rugby family in Scotland.”
He said it was devastating that he died so soon after completing “such a selfless mission.”
Scottish rugbyThe former Gala Rugby Club captain, who played alongside Ken, told Richie Gray BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime Program: “He was just a rugby man through and through, a great human being, a good human being, and I think a cap he got was just the icing on the cake of his rugby career.”
“It’s just a shock. I think everyone is struggling to come to terms with that.”
“But what a phenomenal legacy he leaves behind.”
A spokesman for North Berwick Rugby Club added they were “heartbroken” and “extremely proud” of the former player.
The cycle raised money for four charities: Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation (Scotland) and Prostate Scotland.
A spokesperson for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said they were “deeply saddened” by the news.
“Ken was a remarkable human being, a true supporter and through his challenge he raised significant funds for four causes close to his heart,” the spokesman added.
Gala RugbyEarlier this year he was one of 75 players named to Scottish Rugby’s Roll of Honor, recognizing their contribution to international games with subsequent appearances.
Mr Macaulay finally received his cap, 44 years after he was selected for a Scotland squad that traveled to Bordeaux to face a French select team.
After receiving his cap, MacAulay felt the need to give back to the sport.
On his fundraising pageMr Macaulay said the challenge would take him “way out of my comfort zone” as he was “not a spring chicken”. Along the way he was joined by former teammates and his son Richard, who took on the challenge.
The cycle began at Galashields on October 5 and saw him visit clubs from Lochaber to Dundee.
After completing the cycle on Saturday, he updated his fundraising page and explained that it had been “quite hectic” to bring about the “conclusion of my adventure” but that he would provide further updates in the coming days.
