Rugby Star Kenny Logan Leads Tributes Following Death of Friend with MND

Scottish rugby personality Kenny Logan has headed expressions of remembrance from relatives and acquaintances for a father afflicted with motor neurone disease (MND), who persisted in his work until his passing to provide for his family. Scott Stewart died in a Stirling hospital on Sunday. Only two months prior, Scott had disclosed to BBC Scotland News his efforts in modifying his residence and continuing to generate income, driven by his hope of living for several more years. The 42-year-old is survived by his wife, Robyn, whom he had recently married, and their six-month-old daughter, Rae. His family shared an announcement on his LinkedIn profile, stating: “It’s with a heavy heart I need to share that Scott sadly passed away yesterday afternoon surrounded by his family. Stewart Family x” From his residence in London, former Scotland international Kenny Logan conveyed to BBC Scotland News his profound sadness regarding his friend’s demise merely days before Christmas. He remarked: “I’m really shocked. I saw him at his house a month ago and I was playing golf with him just 18 months ago.” Logan added: “He played two over par, he was a really good golfer. He was playing to almost a professional golf standard, he was a scratch golfer.” The 52-year-old former winger for Glasgow and London Wasps initially encountered Scott during his teenage years. Logan recounted: “I used to have a coaching clinic called Rugby With Kenny Logan and he used to come to that as a kid.” He further shared: “He then told me about two years ago, when he was diagnosed with MND, that I had once given him a lift home because his mum and dad were running a bit late to pick him up from my camp and he’d never forgotten it.” Logan, who also serves as an ambassador for the MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, expressed feeling “quite emotional” reflecting on his last visit to Scott’s home, where Scott’s parents were embracing him. He stated: “It’s very sad because he’s got a young family and he just got married and had his daughter about six months ago.” Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive condition that leads to muscle weakness, stiffness, and paralysis, which deteriorates over time. Presently, there is no efficacious treatment or remedy for this disorder, which impacts the brain and nerves. Scott established an enterprise selling golf accessories during the pandemic period while he was on furlough. He maintained his work on this business from his home until his recent hospitalization. He would post items for online sale, with his mother and father, both aged 76, volunteering to transport them to the Post Office for dispatch. Paul Thompson, the director of fundraising at the MND charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, conveyed his “immensely” sad feelings. The foundation was established by former Scotland international rugby player Doddie Weir, who passed away in 2022, six years following his MND diagnosis. Mr Thompson remarked: “Scott was a huge figure within the MND community, using the time he had to vocally advocate for investment in research and to share candidly the reality he faced every day with this cruel disease.” He continued: “Scott was the first recipient of the inaugural James Clarke Award at The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation annual dinner recently in recognition of his campaigning and support for the foundation.” Mr Thompson added: “He believed that MND is not an incurable disease, but an underfunded one.” He concluded: “That’s why he dedicated so much of his attention to pushing forward the search for a cure, as well as fundraising, particularly in the golf community of which he was also a prominent part.” Homages from the golf community were spearheaded by Scottish Open champion Robert MacIntyre, who holds the 14th position in world rankings. The 28-year-old shared an image of himself with Scott at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick earlier this year, accompanied by the message “RIP”. Scott utilized his entire life savings to modify the family residence to accommodate his requirements and allocated the £170 weekly disability allowance towards a Motability vehicle. His wife, Robyn, is presently on maternity leave from her role as a programme manager for Public Health Scotland. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.