Pupils and Teachers at Murrayfield Stadium recently

Carrongrange High School pupils were at Murrayfield stadium in Edinburgh last week as part of the official Doddie Weir ‘All Roads Lead to Rome’ send-off delegation party.

They followed the elite cycling team in procession at the starting line on their own adapted bikes and bid them ‘Addio’ on their 3000km Italian adventure in support of the My Name's Doddie Foundation.

In honour of Doddie and his nickname ‘The Giraffe’, the pupils created a banner showing a collage of seven giraffes, one representing each country within the 6 Nations and the centre giraffe representing Doddie himself. This banner will be travelling by bike, to Rome in the safe hands of the official team.

The elite team are currently en route to cycle 3000km to Rome via each of the Rugby 6 Nations stadia and they were sent on their way by the school’s Makaton Choir performing a rousing rendition of The Flower of Scotland. Makaton is an inclusive language programme that uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable people to communicate.

Over the past few weeks, all 168 pupils have been participating in their very own ‘Carrongrange Challenge’. They have been paddleboarding, swimming and cycling their way to match the 3000km distance that the elite cycling team will cover to get to Rome.

Janine Proudlock, Carrongrange Headteacher said: “Every single pupil at the school has been involved in our ‘Carrongrange Challenge.’ The pupils have loved working as a team and their combined efforts will cover an unbelievable 3000km! I could not be prouder of them all. “

She added: “The children involved in the send-off delegation were absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the leaving procession and we will all be keeping a close eye on the elite team’s progress and our Doddie Weir Giraffe Banner! “

The Carrongrange Challenge has already raised an impressive £1169.50 for the My Name’s Doddie Foundation, donations can be made on their Just Giving Page.