Ken Macaulay dead: Scottish rugby hero dies aged 66 hours after Doddie Weir charity challenge

RUGBY legend Ken Macaulay has died aged 66 just hours after completing an epic bike ride for Doddie Weir’s charity.

It is thought that the former Scotland rugby cap suffered a cardiac arrest following the completion of his gruelling 1,020-mile cycle challenge.

FacebookKen Macaulay has died aged 66 hours after completing his gruelling cycle challenge[/caption]

FacebookHe cycled 1,020 miles in aid of different charities including My Name’s Doddie Foundation[/caption]

Ken set off on his three-week long pedalathlon from Gala RFC in Galashiels, one of his former clubs, on October 5 and finished the last leg of his journey there over the weekend.

Before setting out, he told of how the challenge would take him “well out of my comfort zone” because he was “no longer a spring chicken” and he “cast a larger shadow than is necessary”.

Albeit the rugby veteran was determined “to give something back… as a token of appreciation for everything that rugby has given me”.

Ken’s plan meant visiting every club or pitch he had ever played.

After completing the epic journey, he wrote in his final social media post: “Sorry, folks, for the rather brief update last night but things were pretty hectic when I arrived at Netherdale for the conclusion of my adventure!

“It was a long cycle yesterday, over 70 miles, most of it in to a headwind but it was also another day of warm welcomes and great company – at one stage there were 14 of us on the road and we also were being escorted by the Doddie Tractor for part of the way!”

Since finishing his ride, Ken raised over £13,300 in aid of Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, Murrayfield Injured Players Foundation and Prostate Scotland.

And donations continue to pour in after his passing.

Ken, from Kirkibost in Great Bernera, was one of 75 players to be ratified as bona fide internationals by the Scottish Rugby Union Custodian Board earlier this year.

He said he was ‘chuffed to bits’ with the honour.

It came 44 years after Ken was picked for the Scotland squad which travelled to meet a France Select team in Bordeaux, for a series of three matches in 1980.

His appearance in what was a friendly tournament did not, at the time, qualify him for the honour of a Scotland cap.

A spokesperson for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation wrote on W (formerly Twitter): “We’re desperately sad to hear of the death of Ken Macaulay & our thoughts are with his family & friends during this incredibly difficult time.

“Ken was a remarkable individual; a true supporter & through his challenge he raised substantial funds for 4 causes he cared deeply about.”

Gala Rugby Club said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that Gala Rugby announces the passing of Ken Macaulay.

“Everyone at Gala Rugby would like to send their condolences to Pat, Richard and Joanna – and the rest of Ken’s family – at this tough time.”