Gavin Hastings OBE

Former Captain of Scotland and British Lions Rugby, Gavin Hastings has been a patron of Leuchie House since 2015.

Gavin was educated at George Watson’s College before going on to study Land Economy at Cambridge University via Paisley College of Technology.

Throughout his rugby career he won 61 caps for Scotland, captaining the national team 20 times. He captained the British and Irish Lions during the 1993 tour to New Zealand. He was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2003.

After retiring from rugby, he set up a company specialising in sports marketing and event management. He is also much in demand as an after dinner and motivational speaker, and maintains his interest in rugby through regular television and other media work.

Gavin, whose wife Diane was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003, has been a supporter of Leuchie House since he volunteered his services as host for Leuchie’s flagship fundraiser, the Ascot Gold Cup Tea, in 2014 and 2015. These events raised over £35,000 for the charity.

In taking on the role of patron in 2015, he said: “It’s a great privilege to have a role with such an outstanding charity. The Leuchie team offer a lifeline to many who are struggling to cope with the demands of living with long-term conditions. It is a welcoming, friendly environment for people who need a short break and I’m proud to help them continue this vital work.”