Introducing Mr Happiness is Egg Shaped - Bruce Aitchison
Who are you (name, age, where you come from)
BRUCE AITCHISON, 44 (but still feel 13), raised in Stow, school at Galashiels Academy, Edinburgh, Hong Kong and other points in between, but home is the Borders.
What is your background?
Raised in Stow, just down the road from Doddie. Went to Galashiels Academy, then Edinburgh Uni where I studied PE teaching. Moved to Hong Kong at 21 - absolutely loved it. Came home, worked at Lornshill Academy, Tynecastle HS, Hawick HS, Merchiston Castle School & Musselburgh Grammar School before leaving teaching to join Innovative Partners as a Business Development Manager. Married to childhood sweetheart Nichola and have 2 daughters, Maisie (14) and Katy (12). Love to walk my dog Maggy.
Rugby has been good to me, I played, coached, I announce, commentate... I love to speak at dinners, I host events and spend too much time on Social Media. I created Happiness is Egg Shaped and host the Happiness is... Podcast. Doddie was a hero, friend and mentor. I owe him a lot.
Why did you want to get involved in this challenge?
A chance to be part of a team and raise funds and awareness in the name of Doddie - It is inspiring and has given me purpose.
How long have you been cycling?
About 10mins.
What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of the trip?
Hearing how many times Ian Barr tells people he's an Iron Man...
How important is it that we keep Doddie's memory alive?
Incredibly. The big man knew he wasn't going to benefit from the work he did, he knew it was bigger than him. He did so much for so many, including me. So we need to keep going, the community are determined to make it happen
How important is it that we continue to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation?
It's not incurable, just underfunded.
What has been the most inspirational aspect of this challenge so far for you?
The WhatsApp group....
What, ultimately, do you want to come out of this?
More people are motivated to help, More money raised to support families and support the scientists to find treatment and a cure – and that I make it to Rome...!
