Glasgow Hawks fullback and Scotland 7s internationalist Mike Adamson kicked off a three-day tour of Scotland to raise money for sick children at Murrayfield Stadium this morning.

Along with fellow Hawks Dean Kelbrich, Graeme Davidson and Grant Talbot, the rugby players will attempt to score a try at every professional, premier and national rugby club in the nation.

With 1562 miles to travel and 74 trys to scores in three days, the team has their work cut out for them.

The first score of the ‘74 Try Challenge’ was at Murrayfield Wanderers RFC, and then on the hear of rugby in Scotland – Murrayfield Stadium.

Mike said: “We thought Edinburgh was a good place to start as it is the home of rugby in Scotland. It is iconic to start here.”

The men are undertaking the challenge to raise money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation in Glasgow.

They became involved in the charity last Christmas, handing out presents and visiting children. They decided to go a step further, and involved the rugby angle to help raise the profile of the fundraiser.

Mike continued: “We’ve got a few sponsors to help us on our way, with hotel rooms, ferries and the like, to try and keep our costs down.

“We also have a Just Giving page, which has raised close to £1000 just now. We are going to taking cans and buckets along to try and raise money on our way.

“Hopefully we will raise a few grand for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation.”

Grant, who is Glasgow Hawks development officer, said: “It’s great to bring fundraising and rugby together.

“Being a development officer isn’t just about growing the game in clubs and schools; it’s about raising awareness and encouraging young people to be involved in all walks of life.”

The group have a strict schedule to adhere to, but are looking forward to their fly-by visits of clubs across Scotland.

Mike continued: “As we have contacted every club to say we are going to visit, some of the clubs have indicated they are going to have players and supporters from their club there to welcome us.

“Unfortunately, we can’t stay too long as we need to get around as many clubs as possible today and tomorrow.

“I think we will make it around in three days as long as the traffic is not too bad and we don’t get stuck behind any tractors.”

This article was posted on 3-Jun-2011, 09:47 by Hugh Barrow.